Journal 1 Do Web 2.0 Right

Light, D. (2011). Do web 2.0 right. Learning and Leading with Technology, 38(5), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-december-january-2010.aspx

Summary:  Daniel Light and colleague, Deborah Polin, traveled the Untied States to find out how teachers were successfully, (and in some cases not so successfully), incorporating Web 2.0 activities into the classroom. The two interviewed 39 educators and several students in 22 different schools across the country to better understand how these tools were employed in their classrooms. Light and Polin identified (1) instituting daily practice, (2) carefully considering the audience, and (3) teaching and enforcing appropriate behavior as the three elements teachers used 2.0 Web in order to create sustained, meaningful communication among their students. Light goes on to discuss the best ways to implement each of these elements into the classroom and uses teachers examples to support his findings.

Do you see yourself making an effort to tread these elements into your classroom?

            Yes, most defiantly. Being “the shy student” growing up I understand how Web 2.0 tools can help those students who are to shy to speak up in class. Web 2.0 allows their voices be heard in a way they feel comfortable with. Also, I like using Web 2.0 to allow students to discuss anything we might be learning without the year. For example Blogs will allow students to give more informative, critical and thoughtful comments on class discussions or current events we might be learning about in class. Lastly, I love the idea of my students having a safe way to communicate with myself, their peers, parents and our community.

How do you feel about this “always-on community” that Web 2.0 always teachers to create for their students?

            To be honest, in the beginning I thought always being connected was going to be stressful and time consuming. On the contrary, I am realizing that the stress level has decreased. At first, it was hard and confusing to learn how to employ these tools into the classroom, but it has become second nature now. My students are always learning in a safe environment that I can check in on whenever I want and that makes me happy.