Final Reflections on Teaching and Learning with Web 2.0 Tools

The adventures I have been guided through this semester have opened the path to even greater adventures to come in Web 2.0 technologies for teaching and learning. My comfort zone was tested and I had no choice but to explore some Web 2.0 tools that I have been avoiding, such as Twitter. To my surprise the Web 2.0 tools I explored will be incredible tools for professional development and interacting in educational networks.  I registered for this class to learn how to teach my students more effectively by implementing technology using Web 2.0 tools, but what I hadn't expected is I learned how I could continue educating myself using Web 2.0 tools so I will have the ability to continue growing and help my students grow also. I am thankful for my adventures in Twitter, YouTube, Diigo, Aggregating Pages, and others because I had the ability to have a hands-on experience in learning. All I have to do is continue my adventure since my pages are now set-up and functioning. 

 The current and emerging Web 2.0 technologies available for instructional delivery brings many benefits to the classroom. Students are growing up in a world where they are surrounded by technology and learning using technology should also be a part of that world. Web 2.0 tools can be used to cover each aspect of Blooms Taxonomy to help students create, evaluate, analyze, apply, understand, and evaluate at a higher level than in a classroom without the use of technology.  For each learning goal "there's an app for that."  

This semester as the class used Wiki Spaces to collaborate and create an evaluation rubric for Web 2.0 technologies, I understood how crucial it is for educators to evaluate the Web 2.0 technologies they are thinking of implementing. As an educator it is my responsibility to make sure the tools used by students are safe and effective. When I evaluate a Web 2.0 tool I will assessing:

• User Friendliness: Will learning to use the technology get in the way of the learning goal?
• Accessibility: Can students access the technology at any time/place?
• Collaboration: Are students able to connect with peers/teachers and share ideas? 
• Differentiation: Can this technology be adapted to meet the individual needs of each student?
• Curriculum Correlation: Do the lessons presented align with the curriculum?
• Finished Product: Does the technology result in a dynamic product that can students can easily save or share?
• Technical Support Considerations: Is technical support provided by the vendor? How much will support cost? Will it work on your school's network?
• Advertising: Is the site free from advertising or have school appropriate advertising?
• Cost Efficient: How much does the tool/technology cost?  Is this cost a one-time fee or is it a recurring cost? Who will pay the cost?
•  Security and Privacy: How does the technology/tool protect information and privacy of its users?

Educators must have a goal of why they are implementing Web 2.0 tools for learning and not using the tools for the sake of only using technology. Using an educational technology evaluation rubric will help educators stay focused and question if the technology tool is the one needed to meet their goal.

There are some pitfalls in using some Web 2.0 technologies. Teachers should always have a back-up plan in case of technology issues such as loss of internet, server crashes, etc. Compatibility of devises and tools should always be checked before moving forward in the implementation. I feel the most important pitfall that can be avoided if not taken for granted is the security and privacy of the students. This course taught me how quickly a person's digital footprint can change and can be accessed by a simple search of a name.

Technology is growing at a rapid rate and will only continue to grow in the future. I believe that every student should have the opportunity to incorporate technology into their learning. Web 2.0 technologies can provide a fun learning experience and has the potential to keep the students engaged. Instead of just lecturing about the Declaration of Independence, students can explore the National Archives website and have the ability to see the document and collaborate using blogs, Edmodo, wikis, ect. There are many free programs that can be used to enhance education that will motive and engage students and make learning fun. The possibilities that Web 2.0 technologies can provide in the classroom are endless. Using technology in education will engage the students and help them have a higher level of ownership and accountable in their learning.

Education and technology should go hand-in-hand because the future of the students is a world surrounded by technology and students should have a real-world experience.

 Remember: With the growth rate of technology this chart will always be changing as new tools and technologies are created.