What is Web 2.0 _ its imporatance_

Thanks Robin and DeAnne for commenting on my last blog. I appreciate the feedback and remarks. I like connecting to others, Thank goodness we have FaceBook now to stay connected.


As I write, remember the movie "You got Mail" (Tom Hanks).? It was fun film with a romance twist. At any rate, it is nice knowing my cohorts on a face 2 face level but it is also nice reading your email comments. I think when we use the Blog we are taking a chance, we are opening up our private world. Thanks for sharing and providing the feedback.

What I liked about this class is we were encourage to experiement, thanks for let me include you in my studies. Enough...Ok...I am going to attempt answering my third question

What is Web 2.0 and why is it important to understand how to use Social Networking Tools?

Introduction:
Prior to the fall 2008, I did not understand the meaning and the implications of Web 2.0, but now I believe Web 2.0 has an important role in life long learning.

Three important events changed my thinking on these resources: two WVU instructional design courses (Design Studio, IDT 750_ Whitehouse, School Networks, IDT 693 _ Ahern) and WV Higher Education Technology Conference.

During the Presidential elections of 2008, social networking tools played an important role in disseminating information quickly to individuals and their social contacts. Web 2.0 resources became a ‘cool’ user (learner) centered activity and an application platform to target and delivery specific messages.

For the motivated and life long learner, the Internet and its resources provide an ideal learning environment. Archives, libraries, and data sources are powerful search engines accessed easily. The information sources are vast, ranging from highly reliable and valid to misleading and favoring personal bias. The reader (learner) must distinguish the differences between ‘good and bad information’.

What is Web 2.0 Resources?

The best primer is Web 2.0 new tools and new schools, (Solomon, G., Schrum, L. (2007), International Society for Technology in Education.

Most readers may not be familiar with how to use web tools, but the average Internet consumer has heard the terms, blogs, wikis, Facebook, podcasting, tags, and recently the term Twitter. These are Web 2.0 resource tools.

Since the Stone Age, tools are an important technological advancement for man. The tool became instrument to help the individual. Tools are partially responsible in shaping and defining a culture and society.

In general, a tool is a useful work item. Just as we use a shovel, rake, and hoe to lay the earth bare, level the soil and till the soil and plants, Web 2.0 are tools for constructive learning.
I think of Web 2.0 resources as tools that help on-line individuals and communities gain access and share information. Web 2.0 resources contribute to practical knowledge and skills with others. It motivates others to action, entertain, and influence our thinking and learning. It keeps us in touch with others to share personal experiences and network.

Why is important to know how to use the social networking tools?
Reflecting on this course and my previous writings, I will share five themes or lessons regarding social networking tools application.

1. The first theme is an appreciation in the proper selection and application of technology. To use the analogy of the garden, to make a productive garden requires matching the learner (his learning constructs) to the tool (the garden) and project objectives (end garden product).

2. The second concept was an appreciation and understanding between learning design theory and creative self-designing prototype practices. Facebook is an ideal way to build common ground through staying in touch, entertaining, and expressing yourself creatively.

3. Third, recognize working collaboratively, especially in seeking feedback, in synchronous and asynchronous learning environments. Wikis, Google maps, and blogs provide an opportunity for group / team collaboration.

4. Fourth, I discovered personal enjoyment in professional challenges required in planning, developing, evaluating a project especially as it pertains to an organization. If the goal is to store resources and influence the way other people think, Web 2.0 resources provide a way to communicate quickly but also provide a means to organize information, store data, evaluate and manage decisions quickly. Collaboration, engagement, and empowerment are central democracy tenets.

5. Evaluating Web 2.0 resources is valuable. They are cool, but require daily or weekly use to gain the skills and proficiency to see the results. You cannot simply build it and expect the masses to arrive.

Again,. readers please share your comments and thoughts....so I may incorporate.

frank

Integrating Technology _ Effective Learning _ Engaging Citizenship and Constructive Learning

What does it take to be a 21st century citizen who integrates technology effectively?

Wow...beyond a month since I posted, but as I read my past blog I feel my answer is relevant to my needs now.

The semester is quickly ending; however, each day I have new questions. My knowledge and skill in integrating and applying technology into education is increasing. The technology integration process requires management and application. It requires that the individual become a lifelong learner.

During the last two semesters, Dr. Whitehead pushed my thinking into new areas; I quickly realized that I carried lots of baggage and myths about learning. I became a strong advocate for using social networking tools as a method to enhance my personal and professional learning. (Example FAA)

First, why is integrating technology important? Witness the fast global market place; the world market created vast differences and similarities across regions and countries. I believe we are all aware of the differences and shared similarities. Regional and global economical, environmental, political and social issues influence our educational system. It influences what we expect the learner must know and must be able to do.

Communication and technology skills can help to link people. Social networking helps to reduce the complexity of issues because it encourages collaboration between diverse populations.

Nearly a decade ago, education centered on the digital divide, although this hiatus is less, it remains an issue. The educator must be cognizant of its implications. Past indicators of a digital divide included having access to computers, software, Internet connection, skills and training, classroom and work application. http://wvde.state.wv.us/data/digitaldivide/
Digital Divide Survey information is self-reported technology survey data collected from WV K-12 schools.

Today the achievement gap is the discussion topic of discussion. Federal policy, No Child Left Behind, statewide standards, and state achievement tests are driving forces. Indicators of achievement include state and national assessments, school and county comparisons, attendance and graduate rates, retention and college going rate, career and technical placement data, and advance placement performance. These are accountability indicators.

Today this digital divide may include the ability to access and utilized social networking tools; such as Facebook, Google Maps, Twitter, texting, instant messaging, Wikipedia, or online collaborative. These emerging social networking tools are helping to define new core curriculum, skills, content, and technologies. These new technologies are creating new workplace / social performance standard and guiding the lifelong learning process. Social networking tools are building communities of active collaborative learners.

The proposed framework is to integrate technology and achievement standards. The essential components include:

· Recognize and promote that learning is a lifelong process. Achievement is lifelong goal; technology provides a process to lifelong learning.
· Expose students to technology early. There is an immediacy to use technology now. How do we rapidly integrate new emerging technologies into existing curriculum?
· Adopt technology performance standards for age and grade levels and within the specific discipline and profession. Standards and performances are like kindergarten requirements there is a need. Do we need to create technology literacy standards that are age and grade appropriate?
· Place emphasis on technology in curriculum development and teaching to broaden student depth, versatility, and skill development. This should include developing curriculum that supports team learning, communication, and problem solving.
· Teach technology and curriculum emphasizing research thinking, rather than memorization and tests scores.
· Promote and encourage balance and diversity. In problem solving and team building, balance seeks create common ground. The Supreme Court justices often issue a minority opinion; it provides an outlet to recognize diversity and future thinking.
· Evaluate technology to quantify and qualify information.
· Apply information not ‘computer technology’ to solve the problem. How do we use new information? Is cumulative knowledge as important as the actual application and ability to make future inquiry?
· Develop and link software development, curriculum standards and specific learning objectives.
· Create larger system wide thinking. I like the Land Grant College(WVU) mission that supports teaching, research and service. I cannot think of a better way to empower individuals, communities, and other systems. Service is crucial in how we join communities. We must recognize that communities of the ‘have’ and the ‘have not’ exist. The Land Grant College was created to bring practical knowledge to communities. It mission remains relevant and clear.

The land grant college in the 1860's was teaching modern agriculture methods to communities of interested learners. The same is integrating technology into communities of interested learners.

Feel free to post / share your comments. I like to incorporate your thinking into my final reflective paper. Thanks.

Frank

This Century _ Adapative / and Analytical Educator

Blogging Questions:

1. What does it mean to be an adaptive and analytical educator in the 21st century?
2. What does it take to be a 21st century citizen who integrates technology effectively?
3. What does a learning experience that effectively integrates new technologies look like, and do you you know it is effective

Question 1: What does it mean?

Adapative: "The change in behavior of an individual or gorup in adjustment to a new or modified cultural surroundings". American Heritage Dictionary (1969)

Analytical refers to: logical, investigative, diagnositc, systematic, critical, methodoical, questioning, reasoned, rational and analytic (dividing into into parts or basic principles)

In Bloom Taxonomy of Cognitive Doman the term analysis includes: the ability to break down its component parts so that organizaitonal structure may be understood. This includes parts identification, examining parts relationships and reconizing organizations principles.

Action verbs thatBloom uses include: "break down, correlate, diagram, differentiate, discriminate, distinquish, focus, infer, outline, point out, reconized, sepeatate, subdivide, compare, contrast, inspect, inventory, related, and examine".

My educator interests are 1) adult learning (health literacy), 2) life long learning, 3)issue programing and 4) action research. Starting with the basics four questions to ask myself

• What are the learner charactertics?
• What learner outcomes are expected?
• What content is required?
• What methods should be employed?

ok...let

Blogging…along the edge with random musings

Blogs - purpose - design - Thoughts related to integrating technology and learning.

For several weeks, I randomly viewed and read blogs. The purpose was to gain a sense purpose and understanding. This week most blogging are self-discoveries.

So what am I learning? What are my blogging goals?

Blog Design for Learning and Reflection:

1. How do I view a blog?
2. What keeps me reading them?
3. Do I link to the resources offered?
4. How will I view my blog?
5. How do I want my readers to view my blog?
6. What makes a blog an instructional design tool for promoting critical thinking?

Ok, its your turn, let me hear your comments to the qustions

Meanwhile back at the ranch…I share….

Discovery
Sites that attract my attention are easy to read, usually represent my personal values. Sites that turn me off are those that waste my time. I am attracted to blogs that offer creativity, new insights, solutions to problems, new knowledge, alternative thinking, and support social engagement.

Blogs that I value and read:
I enjoy blog in which the writers share experiences and have values similar to mine. OK liberal thinking, like listening to NPR, watching Public TV etc. Yikes, I am showing my bias and prejudices. Am I drawing a line in the sand? Am I stepping on some toes? Is this an ethical grey area? It is difficult to write objectively. We see it in the press and other popular media. Recognize it but work to understand the other side.

Writer Demographics:
OK, so I am nosey. I like to read the demographic information about the writer, contributors. It helps me identify and connect. I do not need to know the color of their eyes or favorite animal; however, person (age) place and time are crucial.

Why is an age cohort group relevant? Because a cohort groups share similar experiences and views. Each cohort marks his or her experiences with important events. The great depression, World War II, the Vietnam War, the Challenger explosion, Columbine shootings, and the destruction of World Trading Center are experiences that we identify with others.

I like expanding this shared viewed in a blog. How others view the world, helps me to connect. Travel is good for the soul, but it is also good for reflecting, learning and meeting others. Blogging is like travel; offering the same, except our words become the mode to meet others, learn and reflect. Blogs helps us connect to others, our world, and ourselves.

The context of blogs:
The best blogs support communication and thinking. Blogs serve as information exchanges. They are management tools and social learning tools.
Identified themes: (1) provide general or specific information, (2) support knowledge management, (3) peddle personal views, (4) offer self-reflection, (5) have commercial purpose, (6) become resource links, and (7) promote critical thinking.

Successful blogs are themed and support knowledge building. I enjoy the blogs that connect past events with current news and promoting vision. The blog helps construct meaning, shares resources and builds networks. Networking and engagement is prevalent between the writer and the reader. Topic engagement is broad. Some blogs are just fun. The light side of life and others seek to create social change.

SIDE BAR
What I really like about reading Blogs is the creative and innovation offered. As an example:

Hey I live in a small town, most times we howl at the moon because of the silence. Blogs bring us the bright city lights ...but they are connecting us. I still would not move to the big city, I have a million dollar view where I live.

Arianna Huffington, The Huffington Post, a news and blog site has quickly become one of the most widely read, linked to, and frequently cited media brands on the Internet. (Huffington Post Report) http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ and http://www.huffingtonpost.com/theblog/

Check out National Public Radio...Use search enging 'blogs'
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=17613637

The term "Web log," which was then shortened to "blog," was born 10 years ago. Blogs have made their mark on American culture, especially on politics. In this series, NPR looks at the blogosphere's evolution, as well as who blogs, the language and culture of blogs and how blogs are changing our lives. There are some neat stories to explore.


What engages me?
Journalists uses the term, KISS, Keep it Simple (short) Stupid. Effective Blogs stick to the KISS principle. Elements of appealing design are attractive, engaging, support resource networking.
Time is a resource. Be respectful of reader with what are you saying. Attractive blogs engage the reader. Busy designs create distractions. Successful design exhibits harmony and balance. Topics need sequences, subjects organized, and the site navigation flows.

Search Google: ‘worst blog sites’

http://ballz.ababa.net/flickerx/index1.htm

http://ballz.ababa.net/flickerx/index1.htm

http://www.terribleblogs.com/

Integrating Technology _ Setting Goals and Purpose

This is a student-centered blog. It represents a venue for self-exploration. It serves as an online archive of my learning experiences gained from Instructional Design 744, Integrating Technology, course offered at West Virginia University, spring 2008

The blog site is an experiment in growing and constructing learning. Life long learning requires being an adaptive and analytical student. The blog is for educational use, allowing student, peer(s) and professor to assess, comment and publish. Thank you for reading and joining.


This web site is a place for,
· Sharing and learning from my class peers and professor.
· Constructing learning through reflections
· Gain analytical skills using discussions and feedback.
· Troubleshoot problems related to integrating Web 2.0 resources*and ideas
· Examine learning resources related to instructional design
· Improve research skills through collaboration.

A great book...*Web 2.0 New Tools, New Schools (Solomon, G., Schrum, L. 2007)

Integrating Technology _ Reflecting on friendship across time and space _ Social Networking

Hello:

Today, January 20, 2009, is a momentous day in history, an American celebration. Inauguration Day occurred in United States but the world was watching.

Dr. Whitehouse offers some guiding questions for our IDT (Instructional Design Technology) course. I will use these questions to guide my blog.

What does it mean to be an adaptive and analytical educator in the 21st century?
What does it take to be a 21st century educator who integrated technology effectively?
What is Web 2.0 and why is it important to understand how to use Social Networking Tools?

Today I received a telephone call from a close friend. Bodil lives in Denmark. We met in college and remained friends. For our friendship to endure, our long distance social networking was airmail letters, Christmas cards, sometimes a birthday card. Included in those cards and letters were words, experiences and images.

Both geographical space and time separates our lives, yet we remain interested in building and maintaining a friendship. The technology of mail, photographs, and greeting cards created and enlarged our social network.

Communication joined our lives. Bodil, a native Dane, spoke English. The English language became a venue. We shared mutual; interests and values. Our social networking was face to face, but also what joined our lives were mutual interests in our families, hiking, wanting to learn, laughing, and wiliness to share. The platform to our friendship was a shared language but also a shared vision of how we viewed our world and experiences.

Two important phone calls occurred that I remember. The first call was on the evening of September 11, the day terrorism struck our country. The second call was to express her happiness regarding President-Elect Obama.

Again, technology joined our lives, effective social networking depends on willingness to want to meet others, to learn from others, to accept and appreciate who they are as individuals. Language improves social networking but today we can share images immediately. There are Blogs, Flicker, Face book, My Space and other sites. I am a support for Web 2.0 resources. It offers new ways to build learning networks, to share ideas and learn and to socialize. I believe when we share pictures those human facial expressions, those gestures help to join use and define who we are. It is not a replacement for face to face but it joins us instantly because it crosses the barrier of space and time.

Is it really the technology that is changing how we networking? Are we now re-discovering we can share the same human experience?

Today letter writing has become an art form. During World War II letter writing reached its peak because it was seen letter writing improved the moral of military service personnel.
(See: http://digitalcommons.bryant.edu/ww2letters/) The technology was mail, but the original purpose remains the same, to share, to learn, and network.

"V-Mail used standardized stationery and microfilm processing to produce lighter, smaller cargo. " "V-Mail assisted with logistical issues while acknowledging the value of communication. In 41 months of operation, letter writers using the system helped provide a significant lifeline between the frontlines and home. "
http://www.postalmuseum.si.edu/victorymail/index.html

Be sure to view the newsreel describing V-Mail...
View a two-minute newsreel describing V-Mail: "New Service Speeds Mail to U.S. Troops, 1944," produced by the Office of War Information. National Archives (208-UN-113
http://www.postalmuseum.si.edu/victorymail/letter/index.html

During the Iraq war, our military personnel connect to the homefront, using personal emails, making cell phone calls and sending images. During the Iraq war, handwritten letters are few. These technology changes may influence how we understand and interpret our military history.

Today, emails and blogs are replacing personal letter writing and journals. John Adams our second President wrote extensively in journals. See (http://www.masshist.org/digitaladams/aea/diary/)

Adams journals and letters documents our early beginnings and struggles as a nation. His thoughts and letters joined others. His thinking and letters helped the founding leaders become analytical problem solvers. Today his letters help us interpret and understand our past.

President Barack Obama depends on his ‘Blackberry’ and is expected to be the first email president, according to a New Times Article. http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/11/16/america/blackberry.php

I support technology integration; however, educators must recognize past venues. I argue the paper and pencil note we wrote and mailed represent technology integration. Web 2.0 resources offer new tools, concepts, and skills for building friendships across space and time. In the 21st century, the use of Web 2.0 resources offers the user the opportunity to build new learning networks and improve our problem solving skills and building new global friendships.