About using web 2.0 tools
- 1. About Using Web 2.0 Tools
- 2. Contents 1. The difference between Web 2.0 and learning platform, and the ability to combine them. 1. What is required by changes in Norwegian school / education for Web 2.0 technology to be implemented? 1. How can Web 2.0 provide better learning? 1. Must a particular learning outlook be based on a teacher who wants to make use of Web 2.0, or does it suit everyone? 1. Are there any challenges with using Web 2.0 in educational context?
- 3. 1 - The difference between Web 2.0 and learning platform, and the ability to combine them In my opinion, the main difference between Web 2.0 tools and a learning platform is the primary function of each. Both have important functions and purposes, but in different ways. I see a learning platform as “meeting place” between students, teachers and parents. This is where resources can be dispersed and used. Web 2.0 is much more about applying what students have learned in order to create artifacts. Web 2.0 Tools - Creativity - Multi-purpose - Address different levels - Require a variety of skills Learning Platform - Informative - “Drop” resources to students - Grading - Record keeping
- 4. 2 - What is required by changes in Norwegian school / education for Web 2.0 technology to be implemented? As a teacher and resident new to Norway, I still have much to learn about the Norwegian education system and its use of Web 2.0 tools. As a wealthy country, I am aware that resources are available, but just because something can be purchased does not mean it will have an impact. Also, as my current teaching position is at an International School, the education is received by the students in English. Because our school is private, and although it receives funding and support from the local kommune, there are aspects of our curriculum that are different than the Norwegian system. However, I will say with some confidence that no matter which country, city or school district being discussed, there cannot be too much professional development for skills in using Web 2.0 tools in the best way for student learning. In previous schools in the US, I saw too often an abundance of technology, but very little support or training on how to use the technology in ways that will help student learning.
- 5. 3 - How can Web 2.0 provide better learning? I will share two uses that have made huge impacts for my students - “Badge Learning” and collaboration through @Flipgrid. To begin the year I setup “Badge Learning” - here is an example from a course helping students understand Google’s Tools. As students learned and showed understanding of each task, they earned a badge, which I recorded using Google Sheets. As a form of “gamification,” students naturally engage in this style of learning. When they care about success and learning, they will do very high quality work and have strong effort.
- 6. 3 - How can Web 2.0 provide better learning? I will share two uses that have made huge impacts for my students - “Badge Learning” and collaboration through @Flipgrid. Here you see various screenshots from both the admin and student sides of the Web 2.0 tool @Flipgrid. This is a voice sharing tool that allows students to communicate when time zones and distances separate the schools. I have used this is a variety of ways in the past - language learning, math concepts, cultural understanding. We always wish for students to have a genuine audience other than their teacher and classmates, this offers that opportunity!
- 7. 4 - Must a particular learning outlook be based on a teacher who wants to make use of Web 2.0, or does it suit everyone? After experience with many different tools online, and experience working with or helping other teachers understand how to use Web 2.0 tools, I truly believe the application and use of online tools is suited for everyone. However, what other teachers struggle with the most is a dependence on their old ways - using the same worksheets from year to year. In order to grasp the full potential of Web 2.0 tools, we need to be flexible and know that we may not be experts with a certain tool, but that should not stop us from trying. Some teachers are uncomfortable if they are not in control of everything, and learning new tools gives them a sense of discomfort because they have not used it before. The key to using Web 2.0 tools is simply approaching them as we expect students to approach their learning … as someone who understands they do not know it all yet and is open to growing their learning and skills.
- 8. 5 - Are there any challenges with using Web 2.0 in educational context? Of course there are challenges to using Web 2.0 tools for educational purposes. Some tools are not made or created for use in school, so may have features that we do not need or want. Tools like @Flipgrid, however, were created specifically for education, so it depends on the tool whether it bring challenges or not. Another challenge is that once we see the impact of Web 2.0 tools, it is easy to grow dependent on them. We may think we are doing the best thing for our students by placing them on a cutting edge resources and allowing them to work for an extended period of time, but we cannot lose sight of the skill of communication, listening and collaboration in the real world - person to person.