UTB College of Education Links

Lucretia, thank you for your posted article- as it was very informative. When I first heard of the term Web 2.0, I too found it to be quite abstract. Through the educational technology courses I have taken, I have become much more informed about the categories of technology that fall into Web 2.0 tools. I've steadily learned about the great magnitude of change that Web 2.0 tools have done within the educational realm. It has definitely made me more excited to see what the future of social networking and communication holds for us as educators. Educational delivery and the upkeep of it, is being done differently now and this is a good thing. As technology is being pushed at a fierce force by the academic community, we are becoming smarter as communication is being delivered at a phenomenally faster rate. I remember a time when I thought online classes and discussion forums were a waste of my valuable time. But as the years progressed, I definitely feel more knowledge having read and communicated with my course peers through these Web 2.0 programs. We are definitely living in a great time. I'd like to share a link that speaks further of your current topic: https://sites.google.com/site/adms647summer12/tutorials/collaboration/benefits. If you scroll down to the bottom of the website, you will find a very informative video that speaks about how Web 2.0 tools compliment and engage students in discussions-that just "aren't happening in the classroom." The first night that the English teacher (in the video) launched her first discussion question, she noticed that the quietest students were the ones that responded to her posted questions. They gave quality responses, of which is what we will find most beneficial when banging our heads thinking- "how will we ever target those quiet ones?" Hope you enjoy.

Yes, the video of the English teacher was very informative. I think there are several hidden jewels that can surface when incorporating Web 2.0 tools. Learning Styles can play a key role in how students interact within the learning environment. Providing more avenues for students to engage does take more time up front, but the opportunities gained for students to learn seem well worth it.

Maricela, When you said, "The first night that the English teacher (in the video) launched her first discussion question, she noticed that the quietest students were the ones that responded to her posted questions. They gave quality responses..." We see that even in our graduate program. I have had classmates that never said a word on Collaborate or any other live chat and then you read their posts and go, "Wow, what a insightful response." I love that about these kinds of tools. We get to experience students at their best.

Felipe, I agree that Learning Styles play a key role in how students interact within a learning environment. I do believe students have some very insightful things to say but depending on the personality they may or may not say it out loud. Thinking outside the box as a teacher provides students with other ways to express themselves and this is very important in the learning process.

Maricela, I like the video of the English teacher. Some student don't like to participated in class because they are shy in public speaking. I am one of this student I have fear of public speaking but, with help of Web2.0 and forums like this one. I feel confident and when I want to shared my opinions or open a discussion in class.

This article is really very important for showing those who are less enthusiastic that the research is in - and these tools have increased learning - and learning at a higher level. Great article and great information.

Laura, communication is always vital in any situation. Of course, it is a must in an educational environment and it must be a shared dialog amongst different groups. It is critical that the channels of communication be established early on. Teachers and students must be able to communicate to create the learning community needed to foster knowledge. Students need that communication amongst each other to share ideas and experiences. Parents must also have access to the communication channel to be able to express any concerns or offer suggestions to teachers and administrators. Of course, we must also have a wide open channel of communication among educators allowing for the sharing of knowledge and new ideas.

Laura, I believe Web 2.0 tools have had such an impact on the expansion of learning beyond the walls of the classroom in terms of accessibility to materials and communication. Many teachers have created class websites with PBworks or other types of wikis. This occurrence has allowed students to download missed assignments or other activities conducted in class. They can also watch video postings on these websites and keep updated with reminders about deadlines through social media such as Twitter. This extension has also enabled students to receive assistance from their peers or teachers outside of the classroom on any ongoing assignments and projects.

Amanda, you have touched on a very important topic and that is accessibility. In working with our client one of her request was that she wanted for her students to access her class material without having to depend solely on Blackboard. She wants us to use a tool that students could access through different devices, including their smart phones.

Laura, Never before has education had such a great opportunity, an opportunity to bring the world into the classroom and do it so easily. What we would have given growing up to actually visit with students in other countries, just by clicking a button instead of waiting and waiting for the penpal letter. This research pointed out that their report did a summary of some of the most frequent Web2.0 applications they encountered. I was wondering if there was a pattern to the what Web2.0 tools were used and where they were used? It would be interesting to see that information to find out about what other school districts are using and the outcome of their programs.

Martin, I think that it is interesting that our client didn't just stop at wanting students to be able to communicate among themselves and the professor, but wanted experts from the outside their classroom to be able to communicate with them as well. It is like having a "World Wide Web Dear Abby." (if that phrase catchs on, remember I coined it) The more students are exposed to expert advise and communication the more they begin to critically think.

Lu, It really is amazing when you consider the opportunities that exist in education at this time due to technology. I completed a massive open online course last year, and part of the course called for the students to interact through social media including Twitter and Facebook. The fact that I could easily message someone in another part of the world still amazes me when this was not possible not too long ago. It would have been great to have these opportunities when I attended school as a child. I remember we did exchange pen pal letters with an elementary school in another part of the country but that was the extent of our interaction outside our area. Nowadays, a school could easily collaborate on projects with other schools through the use of wikis and blogs.

Amanda, I'm glad you mentioned this example of writing to a pen pal. Teachers were doing this back in the day. It was easy to write a letter, send it out, and perhaps get some type of response back- if lucky. I think it's important to note, that now for a lot of veteran teachers- Web 2.0 tools is a major departure from their comfort zone. Gone are the days of the ole' pen and paper communication system that we so relied on. You are correct, education has changed for the better. But it has been a bumpy road for some educators. However, through staff developments, and regional conferences teachers are learning to effectively use programs such as wikis and social networking systems. I believe that the more practice and familiarity teachers get with these technological resources, the more they will be used in the classroom. It is worth it in the end, as these students will end up learning their lessons at a faster rate. It is important to note that the educational system has had a major facelift, when it comes to how students are learning in the classroom today. Web 2.0 tools are enhancing the way that "business is done as usual." Students are becoming excited to learn and create educational deliverables, as teachers are beginning to speak "their language." Today's generation of students were brought up with technology, and so it is only fitting that as educators we change and adapt to the times.

Martin, I agree with you about the communication. Parents do need to have access to that channel of communication. We need to know what is being written. I think that starting these kiddos at early age will prepare them better for the future.

Lu, Yes these children now a days have great opportunities with Web 2.0 tools. My 9 yr. old is already blogging at school! Friday she had to post about QR codes! I think she knew more than me in regards to those codes. They are doing so much at schools with technology that they even have digital day. No paper or pencil just technology tools.

I have created a website for my class where I post assignments so that both parents and students have access to what we will be learning or what they have missed if they are absent. I try to make my class at technology friendly and accessible as possible . Students need these skills in this day and age. I do run into the parents who say they and their children prefer pen and paper assignments but I look at it as I am preparing these children for the future. I continue on updating the website, giving out blogging assignments and hope that one day they will see the value of learning this skill. Some of my students do shy away from technology because of their economic situations and it is important that we remember that not all students have been introduced to technology as we may believe.

It is unbelievable what kids can do with Web 2.0 tools. I notice in my nephews how good the are with computers they can blog, navigated the internet and do a lot things using the computers. They are learning so much in school about technology just like Laura said no paper or pencil just technology how about that.

It is important to introducing students to the Web 2.0 tools, but like you have stated, we cannot assume they have access. I think I would at this point provide choice on how to meet assignment requirements. Access to technology is becoming a larger concern as stakeholders realize its effect on student success.