Oh my goodness-- There's a big, wide, World Web out there! After exploring Web2.0 tools in our latest ETEC 424 lesson, I feel like I just returned from an adventure in OZ. There are endless learning and teaching opportunities within these applications.
Although I have seen the use of many Google docs as a collaborative writing tool, I had not seen a true wiki in action before. I think the use of wikis in the classroom is a wonderful tool that allows for creative collaboration and teacher tracking of progress as well as peer and teacher editing. I must admit though, that I think I still prefer the ease and simplicity of Google Apps for this process.
I am already a die hard fan of social bookmarking, as I have been known to while away many an hour "pinning" on the highly addictive bookmarking site known as Pinterest. I was actually unaware of all the other social bookmarking sites available on the web. I think that whichever site is favored, social bookmarking enables one of the most time tested secrets of great teachers-- the sharing of great ideas!
VoiceThread was a concept completely new to me and I found it very interesting. I think this type of collaboration could be new and exciting for students. We so often see students interacting online through text, but VoiceThread brings back the auditory interaction that is often missing in online collaborations. I like this this idea because it brings differentiated instruction to the technology based classroom. I also like that students have to speak in a clear and cohesive manner in order to be understood. This could be an invaluable tool for dual and foreign language learners.
I truly enjoyed learning about Web 2.0, and I even did further searches and found so many interesting learning tools that I never imagined. One site that I will definitely be using as a resource for tech tools and innovative teaching is www.edudemic.com/. I can see that perusing this site is going to be cutting into my pinterest time. Is it geeky to be this excited about educational technology? Oh well! I'm going for a ride on the geekwagon!
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