Module 10

I have heard of wikis and, of course, we click this to support our Web 2.0 learners semester 2. To me wikis are a valuable tool for individuals to learn together on familiar topics. The group can edit, save and amend information colloboratively. Nings on the other hand, are used more for community purposes. Schools have nings set up.

I visited the Bookleads wiki and found it so interesting. I spent some time viewing the 50ways to tell a story. A great way to share ideas on the same topics with other professionals. I particularly enjoyed seeing The Spotlight on Authors. Here authors such as J.K. Rowling and Judy Blume took my attention. You can explore their biography, their list of books and some valuable comments from other teachers re - reading levels for the children.

Classroom 2.0 also appealed to me and yet another way of social networking on social media. Sue Water has some invaluable information on many Web 2.0 beginners. It was pleasing to me that I actually recognised some of the names, eg prezi, glogster, etc. feel happy about that and yet know I have a long way to go.

To answer the question "How can Web 2.0 assist in learning outcomes for all students?"
In the 21st Century teachers are fully aware that children learn by talking and listening, reading and writing and I would add one more i.e., Children also learn by doing. Web 2.0 is all about "doing" Children no longer learn as passive participants - they need to become involved in their own learning by creating, particpating, communicating and collaborating information with other children, be it with their own class member, across the grade or across the globe.

With the aid of Google Docs, Prezi (zooms in and out to highlight features of importance) delicious.com,(can assist and save time for teachersby bookmarking) Scootle,(already used in my class for guided reading and more to come) Bubbl.us and Glogster (makes learning creative)Flickr (a safe way of storing and organising photos, vidoes. children have an array of proven tools to satisfy their needs. I believe these sites to be most beneficial to primary aged children and I would feel comfortable using these sites.

The sites explored in Web 2.0 can provide opportunities for the children to be guided wisely so that work presentation is brought into the 21st century. Students can work, share and collaborate on projects in the classroom, without feeling threatened. By presenting these sites to the children - time is saved!! Children can get on with digital storytelling. Teachers have a responsibility to educate their children for the future. Times have changed and so to has the classroom. Teachers now need to be a step ahead.