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