Course Reflection

I have learned a great deal from the Web 2.0 course. It has been a truly amzing and educational journey. The course has re-invigorated my enthusiasm for the use of interactive tools in the classroom as well as for personal use. It can act as a stimulus for a more meaningful learning journey for my students- now and in the future. We must all embrace this technology as it opens up the whole idea of collaborative planning and sharing with fellow staff members as well as teachers within our system, not to mention collaborating with your own students at their own pace.
By completing the Web 2.0 course I have discovered resources that can be used positively in the classroom. Blogger, Glogster, Wikis, Nings, Bubbl.us and Delicious most definitely have their place in any classroom. We should allow our students, with teacher guidance and confidence, to be the masters of all these online tools.This is the world they live in!
Learning outcomes may be improved using these tools. Above all, they must be used appropriately and therefore teachers must firstly establish a code of ethics within the classroom as well as establishing parameters so that all these tools have a positive impact on each and every student.
In relation to the specific tools studied, I found Blogging to be a powerful tool enabling collaborative learning amongst the students. They are able to learn from each other not to mention the teacher.
I am quite impressed with Bubbl.us and Glogster. These tools are more suited for creative purposes and allow students to show in diagram form or illustrations what they have learned. Students enjoy the use of these tools as we all like to be creative. Bubblús and Glogster allow this to happen.
Bookmarking is the main feature of Delicious. It is a tremendous tool as it to helps students with their learning outcomes. By bookmarking, the teacher can establish a readily available set of webpage resouces that relate specifically to the chosen topic. Students then read, enjoy and interpret the information so that they can then complete there research task.
The Wiki and Ning tools are more collaborative and interactive tools. They are an effective and stimulating way to promote collaboration and interaction amongst students. Another effective way of making sure that students are meeting their learning outcomes.
In hindsight it has been a pleasurable experience to be a part of the Web 2.0 course. The tools studied will make learning in the classroom far more interesting for every student. It also allows them to work at their own pace, collaborate, interact and create work that they can be proud of.
For teachers, as facilitators, we must expose our students and not hinder their progress. Teachers too can work in collaboration with each other to produce a more interesting classroom experience.
Here is the link to my comment on another participants Blog: http://easyasabc-anna.blogspot.com/2010/10/module-10.html#comments