Web+2.0

Web 2.0 is the internet we have all come to depend upon! Simple as it is, web 2.0 is the internet access that allowes the user to be able to read or write. This allows for the collaberation of a multitue of individuals. This technology has provided us with several tools that most can not live without. The assignment was to write a paper reflection on the tools presented in Web 2.0.

Web 2.0 offers many tools and features that practically everyone in our society has access to; all that is needed is a means to surf the Internet. Many of these tools can be used by teachers to provide easier and more effective ways for students to learn their course material. With the ever increasing role that the internet is playing in our society it is essential that teachers adapt and incorporate the internet into their teaching repertoire. Of the many tools that were shown to us there is a significant amount that would benefit students in the classroom and beyond; a considerable portion of which are free to use. Showing documentaries and other educational videos is a great way to convey information to students and the site []has many such videos. Interaction is a key fundamental to a students learning, especially when learning to read; []is a great tool that allows students to help themselves pronounce words that they are having difficulties with. Today’s society is becoming more green and environmentally conscious and even more so with the younger generations; a wonderful tool is []which gives great information and pictures of the endangered species around the world. History is a wonderful subject and is made more fun and engaging with []. Mental exercises are important to young and old alike and help develop problem solving and logic skills; [] has many such exercises and puzzles. Non Fiction Videos has videos and documentaries on many subjects ranging from biographies to history to health. With varying lengths and presentation styles these videos are a great way to enhance a lesson plan with a popular media tool. This site can be a very useful tool in fostering the desire to learn with well-produced video documentaries. There is a movement within the education world to encourage students, especially girls, to take more interest in math and science and showing all of the wonderful things that can be explored is a great way to promote that enthusiasm. Interest can be fostered in areas such as engineering with the videos of construction and science, computer sciences are introduced in technology videos, and the medical field is given an introductory view with videos on health. Learning to read is perhaps the single most important skill developed in early education. Reading opens an entire world of information to the students and is essential for continued education. While learning to read it is very helpful to have someone sit with a student and when a troublesome word is reached the ability to sound out the word with the student is key. However with tools such as Read the Words, a student is able to develop several skills besides reading as they learn to overcome difficult and new words. With this tool a student is encouraged to learn to spell and type because when they need help with a word they can type it into the text box and hit the “read” button. Because they are copying the words directly from their text and typing them in the box on the screen it helps the student incorporate spelling and fosters typing ability. Few things are as fascinating to many kids as nature and wildlife. Vivid bright pictures of colorful poison dart frogs, elegant peacocks and sleek fish are a great way to spark interest and grab attention. ARKive is a website dedicated to the documentation and education about the world’s endangered and threatened species. Being able to simultaneously foster interest in the wonderful world of the animal kingdom and introduce students to the concepts of environmental awareness is a great way to expand the students’ knowledge of the world around them. Images of the Frilled Dragon lizard running on its hind legs with its neck frills displayed wide grabs a student’s attention and with detailed information readily available in expandable captions to the pictures a student is able to satisfy their curiosity. Collecting facts and information and categorizing them into appropriate areas is an important step in learning about a subject. History in particular is characterized with many different areas such as time relevant tools, clothing, and food. Museum Box is a tool that helps students display information they have found concerning historical figures, periods or events. By placing items such as pictures, sound clips, files or web links, a student is able to compile and display their information that can readily be shared with the class. A lesson on a historical subject such as historically influential presidents could be approached with having students fill their boxes with information on George Washington with images of him and important documents such as the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. While another box can hold images of Abraham Lincoln with documents such as the 13th Amendment which abolished slavery and sound bites of someone reciting the Gettysburg Address. Learning problem solving skills and developing logic awareness is an important step in the learning process. Braingle has many fun and interesting facts and puzzles that can be used as a class activity. Each student can be given free rein to find some interesting trivia facts or brainteasers that they can then share with the class. This activity would encourage the students to be thoughtful while simultaneously providing an enjoyable way foster logic and problem solving skills. Small brainteasers such as: What is the following item? door odro ordo rood rood ordo odro door. Answer is a revolving door. This clever use of letter arraignment causes the student to think first of what could the letters possibly be and once the answer is unveiled they can logically see how the brainteaser works. These tools and many more area available to students and teachers in the classroom and can even be explored as homework assignments. Various presentation and research sites can be used to provide an effective way to complete class projects, while online tools can assist with reading and problem solving skills. With the ever increasing presence of the internet in our daily lives, incorporating internet tools and features into the classroom is essential to providing the students with the skills of today’s world while simultaneously developing the traditional skills and knowledge associated with a core curriculum.