Before I began this course, I had no idea what Web 2.0 tools were. After viewing the video within Module 1, I am now aware that Web 2.0 is a second-generation world-wide-web source that includes blogs, YouTube, and PowToon. Web 2.0 also includes interactive tools such as Facebook, social bookmarking, Twitter and so much more. (Evolution web, 2008). As I think about 21st Century teaching and learning, I can’t help but think that using Web 2.0 will not only support students learning in the classroom, but it will also help build critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity.
Furthermore, I think that Web 2.0, through the use of Assistive Technology (AT) tools and Universal Design for Learning (UDL), can be used to support students with diverse learning. As a result, students will be able to gain full access to the general education curriculum, which in return enhance their learning experience (Carter-Hicks, 2017; The UDL Guidelines, 2019). As you can see, Web 2.0 tools are great tools to use to help prepare all-digital age learners to become productive citizens in a global society.
One Web 2.0 tool that I am interested in using with my second graders is Edmodo. Edmodo is a social networking tool that allows teachers to share content, administer assignments and quizzes. Edmodo also provides communication between the teacher, student, and parent (“The World’ s Largest Learning Community,” 2019). Another Web 2.0 tool that I am looking forward to using with fidelity is Seesaw. Seesaw is a digital portfolio that allows students to display their work (through pictures, drawings, and videos) with their teacher as well as their family (Seesaw, 2019). I think using Edmodo and Seesaw will give students the opportunity to learn through experience. Learning through experience will require students to use the 4 C’s, creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, and communication.
Nowadays, many schools are equipped with a variety of technology tools such as classroom computers, mobile carts, computer labs, iPads, and tablets. I think it is wonderful that students have access to an array of devices, but I think it is more important for educators to remember that is not all about teaching with technology tools, but it’s about students using the technology to create something. Alan November makes it very clear in the video, Who Owns the Learning. November stated, “It looks like a lot of kids are overconfident about their use of technology. They know what they're doing, but when it comes to critical thinking and understanding, digital natives don't know what's going on” (November, 2014). November suggests that educators reflect on the type of classroom culture we want within our class, to think about how much we want our students to own their learning. November believes that if students are able to own their learning, we will empower digital age students and help promote critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity (November, 2014). I couldn't agree with him more!
What Web 2.0 tools are you interested in learning about and using? I can’t wait to hear back from you!
References
Carter-Hicks, J. (2017, September 1). KSU Universal Design Lab [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikmCIwGPlEI
Evolution web 1.0 web 2.0 to web 3.0 . [Video file]. (2008, September 28). Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsNcjya56v8
November, A. (2014, May 5). Who Owns the Learning? Preparing Students for Success in the Digital Age[Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOAIxIBeT90
Seesaw. (2019). https://web.seesaw.me/?utm_expid=.puymyPFhT7iUN3i29m23jg.0&utm_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fweb.seesaw.me%2F
The UDL Guidelines. (2019). http://udlguidelines.cast.org/?utm_medium=web%20HYPERLINK
The world's largest learning community. (2019). Retrieved January 16, 2019, from https://www.edmodo.com/