Teaching with Web 2.0
Benefits Interactive Web Technology Brings to Education
Blogs, wiki's, and other Web 2.0 tools are becoming a popular way to integrate technology into the classroom.
The concept of Web 2.0 grew from the ashes of the dot.com bust in 2001. As it morphed from a buzzword to an active concept, Web 2.0 became an important part of the World Wide Web. Because of its two-way communication abilities, it is also becoming an increasingly popular way to integrate technology into the classroom.
What is Web 2.0?
Web 2.0 is any World Wide Web technology or website that allows interactive content. One example is a blog, which permits the writer to post commentary and visitors to leave responses. Another similar example is a wiki since it allows the continual updating and revision of posted content. Interactive online games and virtual worlds are Web 2.0, as are video posting and social networking sites. Even RSS (Really Simple Syndication) feeds, podcasting and videoconferencing fall into the Web 2.0 category.
This is becoming popular in schools for several reasons. First, is its ability to combine technology with collaboration. Next, it is using technology with which many students are already familiar through their own explorations of the web and popular sites such as MySpace, Wikipedia and Flikr. Also, it provides an avenue to communicate with professionals, subject experts and other students who have Internet access.
Examples of Classroom Use
Writing can be transformed from a one-on-one communication between teacher and student. With the use of a school-centered blog students can also receive advice and corrections from their peers. Wiki software can enable students to add their section of research to a document being created by a group or class, while also permitting live editing of the document. Both blogs and wikis promote peer editing. This gets students more involved in the writing process, thus strengthening writing, editing and communication skills.
Videoconferencing brings the world into the classroom. Guest speakers can participate from anywhere there is an Internet connection. Students can ask scientists questions while an experiment is being conducted in a lab the students would not otherwise be permitted to enter. Students from classes in different countries can ask each other questions about their society and culture. Young children in remote communities could even take a virtual field trip to a nature park.
RSS, sometimes also called Web feeds, are becoming popular with administration and high school teachers. Administrators can have parents and guardians sign up for updates about school events and news. High school students, who typically have email accounts of their own, can sign up for a feeds from teachers, allowing teachers to easily send homework assignments and classroom reminders.
Podcasts are gaining popularity for similar reasons as RSS, the ease of mass communication. Administrators and teachers can update parents and students with a pre-recorded audio or video message. Teachers can even use podcasts to record classroom lessons for absent students, or create an archive for students to review before exams.
