Journal 5: Web 2.0 Today's Technology, Tomorrow's Learning

Jennifer Groff, and JasonHaas. (2008). Web 2.0: Today's Technology's, Tomorrows Learning. Learning and leading with technology, 36(2), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=September_October_No_2_1&Template=/MembersOnly.cfm&NavMenuID=4107&ContentID=21954&DirectListComboInd=D

In the article Web 2.0 by Jennifer Groff and Jason Haas explain how the technology students use outside of the classroom can be brought in to enhance the learning experience. I thought it was interesting because I’m sure many teachers do not understand the technology that students use and in no way know how to incorporate it into the classroom. The article discusses how Facebook or other networking cites can be a way for teachers to communicate with their students they can connect teachers and students this is a great way for students to collaborate and share ideas. Also, teachers can communicate with other teacher and enhance their lesson plans. The article also discusses how teachers are able to use digital games in aiding them in teaching lessons and giving students a way to improve on their academic success. Hal Scheintaub, a high school science teacher in Byfield, Massachusetts uses these online games for testing and lesson plans. They allow Scheintaub to ask interesting questions in which students have multiple options rather than one right answer. Although there are going to times when teachers run into road blocks such as; not enough resources this is becoming more rare in the school systems. If teachers begin to explore these options and work with colleagues and the schools they will be able to find great ways in incorporating these activities into the classroom. This will allow teachers to find a common ground with their students and the students and classroom will benefit from this merging.

Why may some teachers be hesitant to bringing network cites such as Facebook into the classroom?

Many teachers may feel hesitant when they do not really understand the networking cites. Also, many teachers may feel that it will distract students and not see the benefits it could incorporate into the classroom. I think that if these teachers research the benefits and collaborate on good ways to bring it into lesson plans they will not be as fearful of the unknown.

If this modern technology is brought into the classroom what are some responses teachers will receive from their students?

If the classroom is brought to the modern era students will be able to relate to what they are learning. They can have fun but also develop life long lesson and improve on their technological skills. Students can improve test scores by taking tests with multiple options on answers. And teachers and students can build a more collaberative classroom.