Teachers keep hearing about Web 2.0 tools and how they will transform the classroom and learning. Most teachers say to this "show me" or "prove it to me".
My answer to that is "nah".
I would prefer teachers to engage in conversation about what learning looks like in their classrooms and ask some probing questions.
Am I meeting the learning needs of all students?
How can I communicate with students beyond the "physical" time and space?
Have I received feedback from all students today on their understanding?
How have I helped the struggling learner?
How have I created relevant student learning activities?
How have students communicated with me about content they are learning?
Where is there more material beyond the textbook?
Do I use an inquiry approach to the content?
Are students "uncovering" the content understanding and making connections to what they know?
Asking questions like these will lead educators to exploring new Web 2.0 tools that can provide new opportunities because the digital tools are now available. Learning can be different if you want it to be!!! Just be sure to stay focused on the learning target!! But be sure it is a relevant target!!!!
A list of
Web 2.0 tools to explore.
You can also check out a couple of my favorites for getting students to talk.
TinyChat a non-login chat
EtherPad a shared online writing space
Twiddla shared virtual space
Skrbl on a whiteboard free
Private discussions without others having to sign up using
PhuserShow Document lets users share without a login. Just create the space and distribute the URL.