Web 2.0 and Education
So far I’ve enjoyed this class very much. Not only because of the very interesting tools I’ve seen but also because I know this is the kind of stuff I’ll be using when I reenter the work force. I’m keeping a list of all the tools I’m using and adding them to my resume. It is very empowering to feel like I will bring something to the table when I go looking for a job.
Since I want to go into the Instructional Technologist arena, I think Jing has been the most useful tool I’ve used to far. I’ve been able to help my parents out with computer issues they have had by showing them how to make Google their home page from 1000 miles away. I think with school financial resources at their limits, helping teachers and staff remotely will be very useful. If someone has a question on how to make Slide Masters in PowerPoint, I can easily make a tutorial and sent it to them electronically. This will save time and money.
For classroom teachers, some of the Web 2.0 tools can make classrooms very fun places to be. Some of the presentation tools I’ve seen like Anamoto, Prezi and Blabberize can make boring, dry presentation really interesting. The practice sites like Cobocards for making flashcards, and Typingweb for typing practice and Zoodles for preschoolers can be great for rote facts. However, some of these types of sites can be more trouble than they are worth. Sometimes it may be quicker to make flash cards out of index cards. You still must analyze how you need to use the tool.
There are also many Web 2.0 tools that I think will be universal in education in the near future if they are not already. There are many blog sites that students and teachers can host their blogs, I’ve used Blogger for this class and found it very easy to work with. Social network sites like Facebook, or ones geared to education like Graspr are great ways to communicate and connect. YouTube, TeacherTube and Woopid are very useful for tutorials on technology applications.
Isn't it amazing how many Web 2.0 tools are available for use in the classroom? I agree tha Jing will be one to use so that we can help those friends and teachers who aren't so tech-savvy. I enjoyed reading your post.
ReplyDeleteI have been using Jing since the beginning of the semester and I love love love it! I have taught my Dad so many things with it. I also have cut my Illustration time! I find it fun researching all the different applications out there. I also, love the fact that all of these things we can use!
ReplyDeleteGood Post, Tracy. I agree about Jing. Also, thanks for mentioning Typingweb. I must have missed it when I read everything. I have now added it to my list of online typing games that I have my Computer Applications students use if they get finished early.
ReplyDeleteJing is great! I have not had the opportunity to use it in the workforce yet. Thank you for sharing your ideas of ways to use Jing.
ReplyDeleteGosh, I wouldn't know what to do if not for things like Jing! I get calls on how to do something a lot and instead of answering I'll just tell them that a video tutorial will be in their email in an hour or so. It's so nice and as an ed tech and trainer used as much as some of my other important work apps!
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