Journal #5

Soule, Helen (August 2008). Transforming School Communities: Creating Dialogue Using Web 2.0 Tools. Learning & Leading With Technology, 36(1), 12-15.

Helen Soule mentions that through the use of web 2.0 tools in the classroom, the communication throughout the district can widen and open up more opportunities for everyone. For example having a blog for the district communities allows for a more open and easier access to discussion of educational issues and even to express ideas and lesson plans for future class meetings. One must become apart of the web 2.0 experience first before passing it on to the rest of the community which is a great point because so many times someone passes information on to others without first exploring the tools him/her self such as with blogging. In following certain steps such as knowing your audience/who you are speaking to through your blog, the clearer the message the better the response, and making it possible for interaction through the blog by proposing questions to get others more involved, using web 2.0 tools can be exercised through the eyes of educators as well as those eager to learn.

Question:

1.) How will tools such as a teacher creating a blog for his or her classroom be efficient in not only teaching but in getting students to interact more through the use of technology?

2.) Would using the web 2.0 tools make students less interactive with assignments and not as interested to contribute?

Answer:

1.) By being able to use tools like the creation of a blog, one can produce a successful outcome with teachers and students by maybe making things a littler easier just by simply posting an assignment on a blog. There is a different kind of interaction through the use of a blog that may help students who are somewhat shy or don’t speak up in class, to have an equal opportunity to participate in a discussion.

2.) Having web 2.0 tools used in the classroom wont take away from the in class interaction that already takes place inside the classroom. In fact it seems that using web 2.0 tools will make students more responsive and participate more because they are able to take part in something they may even prefer.