Journal 1- Do Web 2.0 Right (Nets I, IV, V)

Light, D. (2011). Do web 2.0 right. Learning and Leading, 38(5), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-february-march-2011.aspx

    Daniel Light and his colleague Deborah Polin traveled around the United States to figure out how teachers are creating successful activities for their classes using Web 2.0. Web 2.0 are those frequently used internet tools such as wikis and blogs. These tools are exposed and used commonly in popular culture, therefore they are great tools to get students involved in writing and learning about the world of technology. Daniel and Deborah interviewed 39 educators from 22 schools. They were interested in the various ways that the teachers were using Web 2.0 and how it was improving the student’s learning. The two researchers discovered that the teachers who had the most success were those who created ongoing conversations among the students. The most successful way to use Web 2.0 is on a daily basis rather than for occasional projects or what not. Although these tools are often used for social purposes, they take on a whole new spectrum when incorporated in education. Some blog activities just failed because they were open to the public. If the blog topic was too personal or if was an embarrassing topic, students became skeptical self-conscious. Audience plays a large role when it comes to student blogs. Teachers are worried about other adults viewing their students blogs, while students are more worried about other young people reading what they’ve written. Most of the schools only chose certain sites or blogs, this divided the viewers into three groups: the teacher and parents, the broad internet, and fellow classmates. Another important factor is behavior. Students don’t view these blogs as social spaces, but as educational environments. Students are expected to give critical yet respectful feedback.

Q:What is a good way to incorporate Wikis in a classroom curriculum?

A: Because wikis are public adjustable information boards, students could use them as a sole informative source for a research project. Another possibility would be to have the students try and locate faults within the wiki documents, comparing them to published sources such as encycolopedias.

Q: Do you think that the majority of schools will someday be teaching and using Web 2.0 tools in America?

A: I just can’t see it happening anytime soon. With our school’s test scores as low as they are and the goals set by NCLB (no child left behind) I can’t imagine our nation grating out youth that privilege yet. I thinkif we based it on social class, all of the high-class and ¾ of the middle class will be using Web 2.0 in at school. They are the “privileged” ones.