What does a Web 2.0 classroom look like?
A web 2.0 classroom is one that implements the use of technology with dynamic interaction. Students and teachers are the users of the technology and both can contribute as information producers. In his kind of classroom people share their opinions, thoughts and experiences through online tools. Also people not only use these technology tools but participate and interact in a more easy way. The use of applications such as podcasting, blogging, tagging, social bookmarking, social networking, and contribution to RSS are some examples of Web 2.0 classroom tools. When schools integrate Web 2.0 technologies they provide new way to engage students in a better way.
Integrating technology in the classroom is a very important tool for the curriculum of this generation. According to Prensky, teachers “should continue what they do best: leading discussion in the classroom, but they must find ways to incorporate those discussions the information and knowledge that their students acquire outside class in their digital lives” (Prensky 2006, p. 2). Today’s kids are challenging their educators to engage them at their level (2006, p.6). The kids are at the vanguard, they are innovators. Prensky mentioned in one of his articles that students have something in their lives that’s really engaging. They download music, play video games, surf the internet, etc, they all do something engaging except in school. And there it is so boring that the kids used to this other life, just can’t stand it (2006, p.2). Unfortunately new technology still faces a great deal of resistance in our schools (2006, p.2). “Let’s not just adopt technology into our schools. Let's adapt it, push it, pull it, iterate with it, experiment with it, test it, and redo it, until we reach the point where we and our kids truly feel we've done our very best’ (Prensky, 2006, p. 5) By doing this a technology-rich constructivist classroom can be created. Technology-rich constructivist classrooms advocate the incorporation of modern technology that facilitates telecommunications for a better engagement and motivation to the students of this generation.
Prensky, M. (December 2005/January 2006). Learning in the digital age: Listen to the natives.Educational Leadership, 63 (4). Retrieved June 4, 2006. Available online: http://www.ascd.org/authors/ed_lead/el200512_prensky.html
Great thoughts, I agree that by implementing tools such as Web 2.0 we provide our students with a better opportunity and a new way of engaging and learning. Today's classroom must be approached differently than in the past, and technology is a key part of what our students need in order to prepare for upper level coursework.
ReplyDeleteI think that once we can get past this overwhelming institutional idea that the educational world must revolve around high stakes test scores, more teachers can feel at ease to find the time to teach students how to use these technologies in class and to create more lessons that utilize them. Web 2.0 classrooms are bustling with activity, with students using different technologies to achieve similar goals. In addition, if we can start finding ways to gain more campus and off campus access to these technologies for all students on a regular basis, teachers also wouldn't feel the pressure of trying to find ways to make web 2.0 classrooms equitably available to all stduents.
ReplyDeleteI love your quote about not only integrating technology but also pushing and pulling it and so forth. As I have already stated on my post, once we move away from our comfort zone we are able to see what we've been missing out on. Taking what we have and doing with it beyond what's expected from us will only serve our students more and enrich their learning.
ReplyDeleteGood post. Finding an angle to use technology in less exciting tasks will help out a lot.
ReplyDeleteGood thoughts...using technology is definitely the best way to engage students. Sharing thoughts and opinions is beneficial for all parties. Having an online place to share ideas is a great tool.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that technology integration has become a necessary in today's classrooms. Students need to have the opportunity to work and know what type of new technology is available out there. We need to better prepare them for their future.
ReplyDeleteAgain, I agree that we need to get more training out there to the teachers, because at this point in time, I think that the students can do more than the teachers...
ReplyDeleteTrain teacher very important, like you point of view
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