The first chapter of web 2.0: new tools, new schools by Solomon and Schrum does a nice job of simplifying the difference between Web 1.0 and Web 2.0. In simple terms, Web 1.0 being more desktop application and Web 2.0 offering free tools for collaboration and social networking. Although schools lag behind (pg. 17) in the use of technology and I believe many teachers are very reluctant to integrate technology into their daily lessons, I wonder how many teachers actually use some of these Web 2.0 tools unwittingly while promoting the essential skills students need for the 21st century. I have struggled to wrap my brain around what exactly 21st century skills are and appreciated the reference to The Partnership for 21st Century Skills. I have found this site very helpful as well as two others, the New Hampshire DOE ICT Literacy Standards and enGauge 21st Century Skills, in helping me come to an understanding of 21st century skills. I believe these skills are twofold; first, the skills needed are collaboration, creativity, communication, and critical thinking. Second, the tools needed to format and showcase collective bodies of work - that’s were the digital tools of Web 2.0 are essential.
This text appears reader friendly and covers topics that are relevant to me as I design a new course for the next school year for 5th and 7th grade students. Another book I recommend for beginners like me is K-12 Teach Like a Techie: 20 Tools for reaching the Digital Generation, by Lori Elliott. This book allows the reader to go directly to a chapter on a tool, a gadget, or a gizmo without having to read the entire book. This class covers most of the tools in the book so I'm thinking I'm in good hands!
Hi Maggie, I think I'm one of those people that is hesitant to use new technologies in my classroom, but mostly because I haven't learned how to use them yet myself. Or, maybe I'm using some of them without knowing, like you said.... Because many teachers in my school are frustrated with our technology limitations I'm hoping to bring back some fodder from this class to promote a more accepting attitude that we're going to have to adjust our teaching related to where the students are at with their use of technology. It sounds like this is probably a bridge you have already crossed?
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ReplyDeleteI agree that some teachers are reluctant to use the technology, but I think a major reason for this is that the PD hasn't been provided for them to successfully teach their students. Lots of times the students know more about technology then the teacher. Also I am finding that the technology in most buildings are out of date and that websites are not allowed due to firewalls. Lastly, with NCLB and the other mandates it is very hard to work in technology, especially if you are a title 1 school and need to make yearly gains in math and language arts. I think the only way that we see technological gains in the state will be when the state mandates that schools need to teach technology and hold schools accountable with standards for each grade level and making sure all districts have the technology to do this.
I am excited to learn with you this semester. Sounds like you have a lot of great resources already for yourself and there will be plenty more where those came from! Maybe too many! Also among the things you listed above, it is key that students Create! When they create with technology, they are allowed to show what they know in a different manner than the traditional poster, brochure, essay, etc. For some students, this opens up a whole new world of learning and you can not believe that these kids have all of this talent and knowledge within them!
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