There are numerous benefits to utilizing Internet 2.0 tools. In reading through the blog posts of my peers, I came across many commonalities, such as the appeal of Google Docs and Wikis for providing students with information and a place for collaboration. I'd like to highlight a few key aspects of Internet technology that I feel are important in enhancing classroom learning.
COLLABORATION
With 21st century technology, students are no longer confined to the classroom. Many of my peers see collaboration as a vital skill to be developed in today's students. Kelly and Rich both recommend Quest Atlantis for fostering collaboration. Rich even mentions that students get to "role play" as a scientist (for example), a great way to get students engaged. Collaboration will be vital to my teaching biology, as this is an integral part of doing science in the real world.
CONNECTEDNESS
Connecting with other students, whether in your class or around the world, goes hand-in-hand with collaboration. One aspect of our 21st century technology that is sometimes disparaged, however, is the idea that people are anonymously interacting with a computer, rather than with actual people. This is obviously untrue, as there is going to be someone on the "other end" reading or viewing your input. Kelly recommends the use of Netiquette to introduce students to the appropriate use of Internet technology, and the importance of remembering that they are interacting with actual humans!
INTERACTION
Internet tools that promote interaction and a sense of exploration aid in creating relevance in student learning. Melissa had a great idea when she came across a Wikipedia article that was inadequate or incomplete regarding the content students were studying in class. Why not have the students write a Wikipedia page? This would not only give them ownership of their work, but would be a lesson in properly conducting research.
AUTONOMY
It is important that students be allowed to express themselves if they are to develop their skills as critical thinkers. Sarah mentioned having students create blogs in place of conventional writing journals. I think this is a great tool for expression, and will allow students to see their peers in ways that they may not otherwise do.
EXPLORATION
One of the challenges in teaching science is that students often have a preconceived notion that the content is too difficult to understand. This has the effect of limiting their choices in life. Effie had a great idea -- using orlive.com to introduce students to real world applications of the dissections they are performing. This may get students to realize that they can do this kind of work if they so choose.
INCLUSION
This is big. It is important that all students learn, regardless of past experience or any disabilities they may have. Most of my peers recommend the use of speech recognition software and DAISY for such purposes, great tools to foster inclusion.
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Resources
Cunningham, M. (2011). Web resources. Falling Star's Blog. Retrieved from http://fallingstar44.blogspot.com/2011/06/web-resources.html
Gavrilis, E. (2011). Web resources for the classroom. effie. Retrieved from http://effie4.blogspot.com/2011/06/web-resources-for-classroom.html
McGary, K. (2011). The wonderful interactive web world. McG's World. Retrieved from http://mcgsworld.blogspot.com/2011/06/wonderful-interactive-web-world.html
Moreno, R. (2011). Technology in the classroom week 5. Nice People make things. Retrieved from http://richundo.blogspot.com/2011/06/technology-in-classroom-week-5.html
Pierz, S. (2011). Web resources for teachers: wikis and google docs and blogs - oh my!. Language Arts in Action. Retrieved from http://mrspierz.blogspot.com/2011/06/web-resources-for-teachers.html
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