What is our role, and how are we going to define our roles in the age of WEB 2.0. First, let’s identify what are some of the concerns we have with becoming teacher 2.0; is it the technology? are we worried about becoming redundant? or we are feeling uncomfortable using the technology? worried that the technology will not work during the lesson? I have been asking myself, WHERE DO I START?
I decided to start with Web 2.0. What is it, and how has it changed the way we use the Internet. Simply, the web 2.0 is no longer static, there is opportunity for two way communication. Why is this important? With web 2.0 people are able to connect, communicate, have meaningful dialogue; we can co-create wikis, websites, and customize sites to our personal needs, and ultimately building a community.
We all understand, and are committed to the “why” we are using technology; however, we must be very cognizant of the “How” we are using it. There are going to be the ya and naysayers about the use of technology in the classroom. People who say that teachers are just being lazy, that they are using it just for the sake of using it. Others say that if we don’t use technology then we are not engaging our students. It is very important to look at what is available and what technology will best meet the aims and objects . How do I decide what to use, blogs, wiki’s, podcasts, video-casts?
We have articulated our fears. Now is the time to just do it! We need to work through our reservations; we have to challenge ourselves push ourselves. We can start by talking to colleagues, how did they get started? What questions did they ask? Find out what technology they are using and how it is benefitting their classroom. We need to read articles, ask people from outside the education domain, talk to people in business and find out what’s out there, and how it’s being used. Furthermore we should include our students, have them as part of the process. What are they using, how can the technology they are using be used in the classroom.
It is important to keep in mind that technology is just a tool like a pen, white board, or a high lighter. Teachers need to be the driving force; they need a vision for what the process should look like. Even if our role changes there will always be a need for teachers; we are here and will always be here to facilitate the process. Although, the contents of our toolbox are changing, we must keep in mind that there is still a place for the old tools and they still bring value to the learning process. We need to figure out how to combine the old with the new. Think about what tool would best meet the aims and objectives and what skills do I want the students to have when they leave the classroom.
As teacher 2.0 let’s be the ones to shape and design what we want our roles to be. I think we can agree that at the end of the day we want our students to be responsible, caring, self -directed, and balanced individuals. There will always be a need for teachers to nurture students to become well-rounded global citizens.
We talk about web 2.0, school 2.0, and classroom 2.0; I want to talk about the teacher2.0. What does it mean to be teacher 2.0?
Peg's Place 
Useful ideas Peggy. I agree with the points made and like the questions that you pose. I too am questioning the use of these tools and am asking myself similar questions. Do you use blogging with your classes already? Are you considering using it? I keep changing my mind relating to its use and am still undecided. Perhaps I should ask the students and see how they feel about it. One thing for sure is that (as you clearly state) these are just tools and should therefore be used as such to engage our students and develop transferable skills. What attracted me to your blog post was your initial points. You ask whether one of the problems is that we feel uncomfortable using technology. I actually feel that this is one of the biggest issues. Technology is ever changing, how long will it be before web 2.0 is ‘old school’ and new technology is available. Perhaps rather than using laptops in the classrooms we’ll soon all be using PDA’s or mobile phones. Afterall, it wasn’t that long ago that the mobile phone was a device that was every bit as big as a household phone. With such changes, training and the opportunity to develop such skills is essential. Without such, how can teachers expect to be comfortable with it? I think we’re fortunate that our school is ready to invest in such training, be it through the masters course or in-service training. I was speaking to a local teacher recently who informed me that they have 62 students in a class and have no access to a computer. It certainly makes you think…..