Web 2.0

Web 2.0 is a tool that provides services that can be accessed from any computer at any time. This includes word processing, presentations, and audio and video productions. In the future, this will impact my teaching by providing alternative methods to make learning social. For example, my students will be able to create, edit, and share documents with their classmates while improving their technological literacy.

One tool I plan to use is Skype, a program that allows the user to talk to anyone in the world. I think this would be a great tool for personal communication between family members and friends. It can also be used to enhance instruction, however. For example, a class might be able to Skype in order to communicate with a children’s author. This would provide a great opportunity to start an engaging dialogue between the author and the readers. Students might be able to ask questions, discuss themes of the novel, and the author’s writing process. Skyping would not require a lot of logistical effort, like traveling or great expense.

Another tool that I see myself using is Dabbleboard, a web-based white board. Students would be able to upload images to the whiteboard and add text or arrows. Another feature is the “Share and Chat,” which allows students to invite their classmates to sketch with them in real-time and, if they have a webcam and microphone, chat as they work. Dabbleboard would be great note-taking tool where students can create flowcharts, Venn diagrams, and webs. This would be a great tool especially for those students who are visual learners and those who enjoy working with others.