Web 2.0 Tools

The Web 2.0 tools seem like a great way to integrate technology into classroom activities, and there is so much available that almost any student would be able to do something. Many of the applications that include student-centered activities could be used by the students in the classroom. For example, a 2nd grade class could easily create books, comic strips, and photo albums using the applications on the Go2Web2.0 website during a literacy lesson. Blogs and photo and video sharing would be great ways of keeping parents updated on what their children are doing at school. A class blog could discuss daily activities, as well as upcoming assignments, projects, field trips, etc.

Web 2.o tools can help engage students in a subject that they might not normally be interested in. For example, a student who is frustrated or disinterested in science might feel more connected to a rain forest lesson while playing a game online about rain forest animals/conservation. Also, students would have the opportunity to improve their knowledge of technology, an important skill in today's world.

If Web 2.0 tools were over used in the classroom, it seems like it could eventually be a disadvantage. Though these tools are a great support for a lesson, foster communication, and round out the class environment, if a teacher relied on online resources, games, and graphics to hold students' attention it would do the students a disservice. There needs to be a balance of technology use and human interaction in the classroom.

Overall, Web 2.0 tools can help enrich the classroom in many ways. For students, there are the benefits of engaging with the lesson and becoming interested in new ways, as well as gaining valuable technology education. For teachers, we can utilize these programs to gain information, support our lessons, and connect with other educators. For parents, they can feel more connected to their child's education by being able to access information about classroom activities. On the other hand, human connections should be valued on an equal level with technology, meaning it is still important for teachers to engage with both students and parents on a more personal level.