I have found this course very helpful; it forced me to move passed “the why” to the use technology in the classroom to “the how” to use technology in the classroom. Prior to taking the class, I really had no idea of the benefits of web 2.0. I knew that the web had changed, and the way I used it changed, but I never really stopped to think about how it changed, and how I could use it as a learning tool. Given the safety of the environment, and the support of my colleagues, I felt encouraged to step out of my comfort zone and challenge myself.

During this course, we were introduced and had opportunity to have hands on experience with a number of different technical tools that included, wikis, podcasts, blogs, video-casts, skype (to name a few.) I am impressed with what is available and how teachers are using them in their classrooms. Many teachers are using wikis to encourage collaborative learning; I think this can have a profound effect on how students create and understand the world around them. Some teachers are skyping in people who are professionals in a particular field that is relevant to the unit of study. I am using blog sites in three classes to enhance student writing, and encourage students to take more ownership and responsibility for their learning.

Although, I am still on a learning curve with a lot of the technology; I am aware of what is available, I see how some of the technology is being used and how it is enhancing student learning and me as a professional.  Furthermore, I have moved past the fear of the technology, and I am confident about how and when to use these tools in my classroom.

We needed to find a place to write that was not the conventional journal notebook. Upon much deliberation and discussion, my colleague and I decided to share a class blog. Although, we knew that a blog would be a good tool for writing, we had a few concerns; exactly how were we going use the blog? How would we edit their writing? How would we give meaningful feedback without losing the momentum of having students just write? How would we assess their writing? Despite our concerns, we decided to throw caution to the wind start a classroom blog, and iron out the details later.

Prior to starting the site, we had students brainstorm different types of technology. A few that were mentioned were LCD projectors, interactive whiteboards, laptops. We discussed technology that they use outside the classroom, such as, facebook, cell phones, chat rooms and is there a place for such technology in the classroom. I was surprised when some responded with a resounding NO! While others thought, some technology could be very useful in the classroom. Some are already using blogs in other classes for homework and class assignments. Those using a blog are finding it very helpful; they realize that using a blog is a good way for them to learn from each other-this sounds hopeful.

My colleague and I decided that the Writing Proficiency classes would post their next few assignments on the blog, and we will see what happens. We have posted movie reviews, comments on articles, and reflections about specific pieces of writing. In addition, classes have commented on each other’s writing. It was interesting the number of students who noticed grammatical and spelling errors in their work, as well as, in the writing of their peers once it was posted. (I had informed students prior to writing and submitting the assignments that I would not be editing their writing, once they submitted it, it would be posted as is, for all to see.

They were mortified when I told them that the posts were going to stay. As a class, we discussed why the posts would not be edited, and they agreed it would be useful to use these pieces of writing as benchmarks, to measure how they use the blog to become better writers. We are still ironing out how to edit, and give meaningful feedback with out losing the momentum of the writing process. Although, it is not perfect, students acknowledge the value in using a blog as a writing tool. They recognize it as an opportunity to become more thoughtful writers, and editors; they realize that unlike many other pieces of writing submitted, it cannot be tucked away in their notebooks never to be seen again.

Please take a look at the following class blogs. Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.

Writing Proficiency blog http://ismwp.wordpress.com/

 Advanced Writing Support blog http://awism.wordpress.com/

 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?

The theme/ focus of this years conference was “Our Global Impact: My Responsibility”. The keynote speakers certainly emphasized this point, the facts, and the pictures showing the current state of the world is daunting; yet they left me feeling hopeful about the future.  

Although, the world is in a crisis, the focus was on the “positive” what we are doing right, and what we need to do to mitigate further damage.

 Alan Atkisson, William Lishman, and John Lu were very dynamic and thought provoking speakers; however, I must admit that I was really impressed with the student keynote speakers. Specifically, Alexandra Eduque, at the risk of sounding biased, I really feel that Alex spoke from her heart.  She has restored my faith in the next generation – she captured the essence of what it means to be a “global citizen.” 

http://www.earcos.org/etc2009/

“Pecha Kucha and the art of liberating constraints”: Zen Presentations 

“Less is More….”

This method of doing a power point presentation is very effective, it helps you to keep in mind that

“Less is More”- it is good for students to practice!  It forces you to keep in mind the point of the presentation, who is my audience, and how can I communicate my message in six minutes and forty seconds. This is definitely, a technique I will use with my classes. Facilitating the opportunity for my students to learn and practice this type of presentation, will assist them in becoming better researchers as well as oral communicators

.

http://www.presentationzen.com/presentationzen/2007/09/pecha-kucha-and.html

I think it’s important to create an environment in the classroom where students are engaged in learning. However, it should not include technology just for the sake of using it;  technology in the classroom, is a tool that should help meet the aims and objectives. Furthermore, it’s important to provide an environment where students are encouraged to be to be creative and use thier minds to engage themselves. Are we not doing a disservice to our students if we don’t encourage them to think, and take responsibility for their learning?

Marc Prensky http://connect.educause.edu/Library/EDUCAUSE+Review/EngageMeorEnrageMeWhatTod/40579?time=1231820002

The  WHY we need to use technology in the classroom !

Over the last couple of weeks, I have been reading and taking a closer look at technology in the classroom. During this course, I hope to get better insight into some of the questions I posted at the beginning of the class. This week I have been thinking about the first question 1. Just because it is available, do we have to use it? Upon discussion with colleagues and further reading on the topic, I would say “YES” I do believe that it is very important to incorporate technology in the classroom. Technology is the medium that students know and understand; it would be remiss of me as an educator and a life long learner not to find a vehicle that will engage students to become passionate about creating. Now that I am committed, to the “WHY” I am using technology I must be very cognizant of the “HOW” I am using it. How do I decide what to use, blogs, wiki’s, podcasts, videocasts; as I move through this course and actually explore how to use the aforementioned technology I too will be better equipped as I journey to become “teacher 2.0.”

 Look for the next instalment of “Teacher 2.0” when we discuss the “HOW”!

What do you intend to learn from this course? (Specific enough that you may know if you’ve achieved your goals…) I would like to have a better understanding of the technology available to use in the classroom. Furthermore, I want to be able to use technology in the classroom to enhance student and learning. Which ICT skills (or which teaching skills) could help you (use ICT better to) improve your students’ learning? I think for the most part I really am limited in my understanding of ICT skills; so I am not comfortable using it the classroom for fear that it will not work, and I am not sure how to use it to enhance learning in my classroom. Which ICT skills could help you improve your own learning? At this stage, I am not sure. I am hoping that I will get the answer to this question during the course.

 Yes, I believe that it does change teaching and learning.

The web 2.0 is definitely more user friendly, one does not have to have a lot of technical expertise in order to use the web 2.0. This is evident with the wide use of wiki’s and blogs; anyone who has anything to say can set up a wiki or a blog and communicate with each other via the internet. The web 2.0 is very interactive and it enables the average person to connect and communicate whether it’s for academic and business purposes, or just staying in touch with family and friends.  

The tools on the web 2.0 are for teachers and students alike.  Tools such as a blog or a wilki are places where we can meet colleagues and peers and share ideas and information.  We can discuss what technology people are using, how are they using it and why have they decided on that specific tool.  Furthermore, tools like podcats, skype and youtube are venues where you can see how teachers, students and experts are using certain tools and how it enhances learning.

 We can look at how the web has changed the way we connect and communicate with each other. Students can write essays, commentaries, and reviews and have their peers comment and edit on their work. They can see what other people are writing, they do peer editing and make comments on other pieces of work; this in turn will hone their own writing skills. Ultimately, students can take responsibility for their learning by taking charge of what goes on and into their class blog.

 You can have experts in a specific field of study conferenced in using skype students can ask and interview the expert and you can have them participate in class discussions. This gives students a first hand view of how what they are learning is being applied to the “real world”. In addition it exposes students to different careers/ jobs that they might want to pursue.

 Podcats are another tool to enable students to be assessed in a different format. This method is a good way to differentiate how students learn and how they are assessment. Some teachers have video taped their lessons on a podcat and then uploaded it to Youtube; this is a very good way for students who are visual learners to go back and review the lesson.

 Last year one of my ESL classes worked with the grade two’s putting short stores onto CD’s and creating a CD cover. It is a fantastic exercise for students; it helped them to fine-tune their speaking, pronunciation, intonation skills, and listening skills. It introduced students to other forms of literature that they may not be exposed to. This is another form of differentiation within the classroom.

 Yes, I believe that the web 2.0 has changed the way I teach  and I hope it enhances student learning.

2. What kind of technology are you using and why?

3. How could technology be used in the classroom?