Exploring Web 2.0 For The Classroom

When I first signed up for this class I expected just to learn a bunch of tools such as Twitter, TimeToast, Google Docs, etc. I was pretty excited about finding more to use for secondary social studies but I was also hoping we got into some deeper technology. I ended up learning a lot! I love technology classes because it is SO important to use technology in the classroom now. Kids are attached to technology like its a life source, so what better way to keep them engaged in school? I can’t think of any. I would have loved to use technology when I was in high school…it just makes learning more fun and interesting. For social studies, many students find it boring, which makes me sad. But who can blame them when some teachers will just lecture to them and make them memorize facts and dates? By integrating technology into my classroom I hope to make learning actually fun for my students.

My favorite aspect of this class was learning how to make podcasts and enhanced podcasts. I love the idea of using this in the classroom. There is so much information about social studies and when we are in the classroom we are crunched for time so we can’t cover everything. This is a great tool to extend the learning at home. Also, it’s great for a little extra help! My favorite idea for these is using them in a flipped classroom. I think the idea of flipping the classroom is very interesting and seems to work. Rather than just reading at home, students can watch an enhanced podcast or listen to a podcast to learn the information. A lot of students have trouble reading textbooks. 

I also really like QR codes, it was a quick lesson but that was all that was needed. I never had any idea what these codes exactly were and what the point of them was. So I was amazed at how awesome they are! I think they are great for providing online worksheets and activities. You can put almost everything into a code. I plan on using them to provide extra help if students need it by placing one on the bottom of printed notes or assignments. These codes can take them to videos, help pages, definitions, and so much more.

I really enjoyed this class but there were some aspects that I didn’t like. One thing I didn’t like was learning about Twitter. I’m pretty sure everyone knows Twitter very well. I did enjoy the video that was shown and I think just showing that video would all that was necessary. Another aspect of the class that made it difficult was obviously that it was crunched into a month’s time. It was very hard to understand what exactly we were supposed to do and when it would be due. I got confused often. The rubrics were nice and helpful, but I think adding clear directions and especially a due date would help. I also felt the class could have been a little more time efficient. A lot of time was spend heavily explaining a project or topic when it really wasn’t necessary. I think it would be better to explain the basics and if some students need more help they could get it. But thats just my opinion…I’m a pretty fast worker with technology and honestly I’m glued to technology almost all day so much of it was easy to figure out myself.

I felt as though our teacher was very knowledgable about the subject and had a bunch of great ideas of how to use everything in the classroom. It was so helpful that for everything we did in the class she would think of ways you could use it in every subject. Some times it is very hard to recognize the potential of a tool on your own. Overall, I really enjoyed this class and I plan on continuing to learn more about technology that is useful in the classroom! I will definitely by using my Google Reader!