What is Web 2.0? For many people the answer is probably obvious, yet I wasn't sure what the difference was between Web 1.0 and Web 2.0 until I read chapter 1 in Web 2.0 New Tools, New Schools by Gwen Soloman and Lynne Schrum. Chapter 1 describes the old web as application based, isolated, offline, and licensed or purchased with a single creator and copyrighted content. The new web is described as web based, collaborative, online, and free with multiple collaborators and shared content. With Web 2.0, we can not only search for information but we can create it for and with others. It is exciting to read that Web 2.0 is about building relationships and learning as a community in contrast to the more inflexible programs of the past.
We are not always ready to accept change right away. Many of us have just gotten comfortable with the old way of using technology. According to Malcolm Gladwell, author of The Tipping Point, the three factors necessary for change to take place are: people who create change by their own habits, memorable qualities of ideas that cause others to act, and the skillful use of groups and communities. Educators can be the leaders that teach through example, excite others with new ideas, and create change within their local communities.
The following quote from page 10 in Web 2.0 New Tools, New Schools really resonated with me as a teacher: "In the future, how we educate our children may prove to be more important than how much we educate them". When I first starting teaching using the Montessori philosophy, I had to adjust my thinking from, "I am the teacher, I should know the answers" to "I'm not sure but I can show you where to find that information". In my opinion, the new Web supports students taking responsibility for their own learning. Teachers can use new technology to guide students to be reflective, critical, and analytical thinkers. The new Web is another tool that will support teachers in creating problem solvers who think along multiple paths not just linearly.
I appreciate that chapter one addresses how students respond to technology and what schools should do to keep up with current trends. I agree that using technology is second nature for children. Although constantly changing, it has been around longer than the young students we teach. Students are excited and eager to use technology. However, it is important that as teachers we show students how to use technology to build new skills. It is not sufficient for students to only play around on the computer. Web 2.0 provides a variety of tools for students to demonstrate their learning. It supports various learning styles and affinities.
To quote from chapter 1 page 20, "To be literate today involves acquiring new skills, including those of using technology, understanding science, having global awareness, and most important, having the ability to keep learning". Emphasizing only reading, writing, and arithmetic will not prepare students for living and working in the 21st century. I think these are exciting times for schools and our education system. I see Web 2.0 as a tool that supports what educators have always been working towards. We all want valuable learning experiences for our students that help them develop global citizenship, cooperation, and flexibility. Web 2.0 can help us achieve that.
"When I first starting teaching using the Montessori philosophy, I had to adjust my thinking from, "I am the teacher, I should know the answers" to "I'm not sure but I can show you where to find that information". ~ Love this! Exactly. We are now more of a guide often times in our classroom and if we feel comfortable with ourselves as teachers, it is ok to let the kids know we do not know it all! Knowing how to find information is what the students need to learn and then how to discern that information. Glad you found chapter 1 to be so helpful! I like the book for many practical explanations.
ReplyDeleteI like how in your blog you stated "We are not always ready to accept change right away. Many of us have just gotten comfortable with the old way of using technology" How true is that? Change can be hard to accept and in some areas of our lives, thankfully we may not need to change that often. But, when using technology we need to keep ahead of it. It seems to me we really have no choice. Six months from now the technology we are currently using will be updated and improved. Every thing is getting smaller, sleeker and faster. I went to look at computers the other day and was told that the expected life of a computer about five years. I find that so amazing. How quick is that? I have a fridge that is over 15 years and still working just fine.
ReplyDeleteYour last quote from chapter one is intriguing and inspirational. I also enjoyed that thought and agree with you about how today's learners need to be able to analyze, reflect and collaborate more than ever before. I think global citizenship is the way of the present and the future. Students will not be limited to the kids in their classrooms for collaboration but exposed to working with as many people in the world as they would like. This opens so many opportunities for networking starting at a very early age. I think back to having pen pals in elementary school and learning that there were kids just like me in other states. Can you imagine knowing that there are kids everywhere in the world that you can connect to?! Today's students do.
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