BP1_20091130_Web 2.0 tools

I have researched and now use several Web 2.0 tools. Actually when I first started this I thought the term Web 2.0 referred to actual software or something but have since discovered that it isn't as easy as "just software" and is far more encompassing. The Web 2.0 tool I am currently using and finding to be extremely useful is Dim-Dim. What Dim-Dim is is a simplistic version of a Wimba classroom. Originally designed with the training industry in mind the use of Dim-Dim in a classroom setting is quite useful. One of the challenges faced by myself and my students is the time it takes our semi-antiquated computers to boot-up. Sometimes a minimum of fifteen minutes is spent waiting if I don't think to go in ahead of time and turn the computers on so Dim-Dim comes to the rescue. The students in most of my classes have a PLE and as I teach them to set-up and manage their PLE it helps for them to join me in my Dim-Dim meeting room so they can "walk through" the process with me. Then, when they can finally get to their PLE, they can click their way through the whole process in record time. This also allows me to do some staff development during off hours because I'm working on staff "buy in" to validate the use of a student's PLE in all their classes. One drawback to Dim-Dim is that with the free version only 20 students can join the session at a time but since I teach in a small school district I usually don't have more than 20 students but if I do they can double up for the session. I recommend giving the program a try if you want to teach anything to several students collectively using technology because it allows you to share websites, internet resources and give instruction plus you can add text or draw, chat, talk, most of the things that can be done in a wimba session.

Use of Blogs in the classroom

One of the major issues that seems to occur at our school is the lack of communication. Communication between teachers, administration, parents and even students. I actually started a blog for each of my classes so my students could always have access to me and I could in turn comment on their progress. It has just now occurred to me to use this same resource to communicate with parents and the new teacher I'm supposed to be mentoring. Actually the blog idea could work within the building so teachers could have another means of communication when our schedules don't match up.

Beyond that personal epiphany I have been researching why we, as teachers, should use this web resource in our classroom. First I found out that 51.5% of all blogs are developed and maintained by 13-19 year olds. One article I read referred to the whole idea as the blogosphere. Hum...I teach Earth Science and I have been remiss in including this sphere when teaching the other ones such as the biosphere, hydrosphere, etc. I believe this sphere to be a reality of the 21st century. Rational for the use of blogs in education include increasing literacy. But not just verbal literacy but digital fluency as well. In the global economy of today our students must not only be able to read but they must be digitally fluent as well.

Then let's consider the idea that unless something is relevant to us, or our students, it's not going to be remembered. Using me as an example, my geography skills were pretty awful until I began teaching Earth Science. When you start looking at global events like earthquakes, volcanos, where tornado alley is and why, suddenly geography becomes important. I avoided math classes in college until my inability to manipulate and solve equations got in the way of population genetics which I dearly loved. I got myself in the math classes I needed and became mathematically literate. I have to teach math if I teach physics, they go together. If our students don't find the relevance they aren't motivated to learn whatever it is we trying to teach and blogging allows teachers to teach across the curriculum to be multi-disciplinary. The math they had to do to solve the experiment we just did in science class has more relevance, it gives them a connection and they have something to write about in language arts as well.

Blogs also encourage creativity and self-expression with an avenue to get feedback on your views, your thoughts, your poetry, the idea is wide open for exploration. Back again to the idea of ways to solve communication gaps, many people, students and parents alike, do not always feel comfortable speaking in front of others and blogging allows equal access without the fear of drawing attention to themself. Welcome to the blogosphere folks.

Think I finally got it right

Here we go again. Hoping I get this figured out. It's good to know there is always Kelli and FSO Support to fallback on if I get close to meltdown.

Web 2.0 tools

Well, here I go again. Hopefully this time I will gain a greater understanding and get far more comfortable with the use of some truly awesome features of various webtools. My students are loving everything I've been teaching them and they get it as soon as I do. One problem though in my classroom has to do with the limited access to adequate computer time. They are going home however and practicing at home which shows me they are motivated.