Week One Assignment:
What does a Web 2.0 classroom look like? What does it mean to create a technology-rich constructivist classroom? A Web 2.0 classroom would be technology rich with computers or some form of technology easily and readily accessible, and being used regularly. Information would be tapped from the world-wide web through research using search engines to help students to refine a search on a subject. Students might submit work that is purely electronic rather than paper driven, and they would be using today's media types of files to access information and to process and create products that reflect their new learning. These products could be problem-based requiring inquiry and research and when possible should reflect the student's interest base. Students would be able to use social media to collaborate with fellow students to enhance learning and major projects that have been assigned by the instructor can be meted out in a jigsaw fashion and then woven together in a final tapestry that is representative of the groups' work and their collaborative research. In addition, they would use Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) strategies in the form of writing, inquiry, collaboration and reading (WICR) to promote college readiness standards. By using the various methods and resources available, students would use cutting-edge technology to promote their own learning and metacognition. When students are allowed to delve into their own interests, they are going to be more likely to continue digging for information to make their product more complete, understandable and useful as well as enjoyable. Students can use blogs and wikis to collaborate and this learning can continue in the evenings when the student is away from school or even on weekends if the instructor is available. Students can even learn to keep digitized portfolios of their work to show how their learning has grown, and include digital formatting that might include flash players or movies that they have created. This information could also then be uploaded to the internet for public access to become a permanent digital portfolio of their own learning.
I like your thoughts, but please elaborate a little more. It might be better if you write your response to each of the question. The assignment says 300-500 words in total for responses to the two questions.
ReplyDeleteThank you, I did as asked. This was not easy, as I felt I had said everything the first time.
ReplyDeleteInteresting thoughts Ms. Ramsey. I have not started teaching yet, and I've never heard of AVID or WICR so I would love to hear more.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree that when we dive into a student's interest that they are more likely to continue to go even further into the depths. That's where I want my teaching and my students learning to be. I need to learn as much as I can now.
ReplyDeleteYour ideas about using technology as a learnng tool for the studnets is very interesting. By having students create elctronic portfolios, and reflecting on their progress is key. You have a ncie blog, and I look forward to following your site. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteFor a WEB 2.0 Classroom your ideas will work. You have technology for everyone. This is the basic of technology. Evey child some have their own device and there should be no share until students become proficient in using the device. The other good point you made was problem solving and inquiry because technology should be used to find solutions to world problems. And the last point is keeping everything in a digital form.
ReplyDeleteI can really see myself giving my students a weekend assignment they will truly enjoy! It could work as a followup for what was learned that week in class and just have my students respond to one another. The day in the classroom goes by so fast that some times it just seems like we can't get everything done. Or how about those long summer breaks? It would be great if all the students in the district had a computer and internet connection and have some sort of summer session where we could help them engaged in learning... At the speed life is moving I don't doubt this taking place in a couple of years.
ReplyDeleteFrom your post and the comments made I can see we really need to be ready. You have been teaching long enough to know that students will test you any chance they get. We need to respond rationally in a language they understand. Good post.
ReplyDeleteGood thoughts.... I especially thought keeping digitized profiles of their work was a great idea to show progression. Including flash players so that the students is a able to have movies and slide shows they have created is an extremely good idea. The more we allow these students to be creative the better they will excel individually.
ReplyDeleteHopefully we are swinging into an era of Education where students will be able to delve into their own interests more often. I think technology would be an excellent accelerant for propelling students into topics of interest and ones that they may not be so interested in. The opportunity of exposure to what students don’t know much about is limitless with technology. With sight, sounds, differentiating examples, and touch screens students can get a far better explanation and understanding of their world than ever before.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your statement about students being more open to learning when they are allowed to explore their own interests. It is definitely a positive when students do research on topics they find intriguing. A 2.0 classroom also offers more opportunities for creativity and self expression which were concepts not encouraged in the past.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy being able to allow the students to explore their interests with terms of technology. It's incredible what they can do! Thank you for posting.
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