The more that I learn about Web 2.0 tools and the more tools that I find, the more I am convinced that they need to be implemented in every child's education. Reading about Wikipedia has been most inspiring to me. For so long students and well, everyone has been limited to a select audience for viewing and feedback but Web 2.0 tools allow practically a universal audience. The whole idea of Wikipedia, basically a database for the collection of knowledge from the human race was truly ahead of its time. Although there are clearly some problems with it I believe educators should embrace this project of spreading knowledge.
It frustrates me in some ways that so many educators reject or have no knowledge of the Web 2.0 movement. I completely understand that I am a digital native and that some people do not have the interest, experience, or knowledge of technology tools that others do but at the same time it is important to develop professionally and be up-to-date on new methods and technology. I compare it to the equivalent of a doctor needing to be knowledgeable of new medical technology and diseases. It really is just an expectation of the job. I don't mean to rant or insult anyone but it is something that I feel strongly about and is part of the reason I chose this major.
Anyway, I am looking forward to finding some ways to implement wikis and am possibly thinking that having my class create a virtual textbook or study guide may be a good way to do so. I am also very excited to learn about RSS this week to hopefully help me be more updated and efficient.
I met a principle at the TIES conference who was saying some very similar things. We were talking about their planned one-to-one initiative that will be going into effect next year. They had almost two years leading up to this point to prepare teachers for what was coming. They wanted their teachers to know what to do with the computers, not have them sit in the students backpacks all day. Those teachers who couldn't, or wouldn't, get with the program were basically given two years to find another place to work. They had made it clear that you needed to get on board with the future of education, or find someplace else to work.
ReplyDeleteI've got a mixed bag of teachers, some who are fairly savy to those that don't know where the power button is. Those that know a bit though are still pretty clueless about the things available to do on the web. Many of the tools we've been talking about in this program I had discovered previously because I'm that type of person who looks for technology for education. I think it's a matter of getting teachers started with a couple of things and showing them how they can find others. Maybe this will peak their interest and they may start on their own to keep up with the tools of the trade.
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