From 1.0 to 2.0

Over the summer, the ITSers were asked to design an interactive project using web 1.0 tools. I created a problem solving/ sequential creation project where were asked to create quilt squares about their communities and cultures and then pass them on to another group of students who would do the same. If I were to change this to use web 2.0 tools, I would probably use a wiki so that different groups or classrooms could collaborate and share information about their own communities and cultures with each other. Using a wiki would also allow students to add or edit each other's work. One issue I would anticipate with using a wiki to create this interactive design project is that it might not end up being a sequential creation. In a sequential creation, students are asked to use what the previous group or students have done and add to it. A wiki allows the users to not only add sequential information, but edit and change already existing information. If students used a wiki with this project, there would have to be specific rules about not changing the previous person's information. The wiki would also allow students to write more information, but not necessarily change how they would create their quilt squares. They would still have to create their quilt squares on paper and then take pictures or scan them to upload to the wiki. I am not sure a wiki has more benefits than just web 1.0 tools. Of course a wiki affords for more collaboration, but I am not sure that collaboration is needed when creating a sequential creation project.

Social Networking

I love social networking tools and probably have an addicition to facebook and pinterest. I could be on these sites for hours just checking out friend's photos or ideas for recipes. I don't tweet, but I have heard that is addicting too. So now I am thinking- how can I incorporate social networking tools into the classroom?

I think everyone knows that facebook and twitter are completely inaccessible in the schools, so these are tools that cannot be incorporated. I know there are other tools, such as Edmoto that mirror what Facebook can do, but are allowed and safe for students to use. I don't want to be a Debbie Downer, but I am not sure even these tools are appropriate for the age groups I work with. I don't think you children should be expected to use a Facebook like tool to communicate with a teacher or other classmates. At the younger grade levels, I think it could be used as a tool between parents and the teacher though. It would be simple to post reminders about homework or projects and for parents to respond with any questions. I also like that the teacher has to approve what goes up on the "wall" because you might get that parent who says bolder things online than they would in person.

Again, I am not sure I would use a Facebook type social networking site with young students. In searching online, I found another site called Learnist. It is a place where people can share information they know and looks a lot like Pinterest. Other people can comment. It is something the teacher might have to monitor or closely instruct students on how to use, but it looks like an interesting site.