Web+2.0+in+the+Classroom

There are so many articles and research papers regarding the use of Web 2.0 in the classroom and it's benefits, that I just had to pick some that I found to be of interest. The benefits of this technology in the classroom are off the scale and provides new and exciting tools that engage students in participation. It is pretty awesome technology for teachers to have at their fingertips. One of the articles I found was actually a blog titled “Ask A Tech Teacher”, and she spoke to the fact that in using this technology in the classroom, you have to stay on top of all things that are new in the field and actually put them to the test before you add them to your ciriculum. She put them to the test, not only using them herself, but asking her collegues if they had used the new tool, what they liked, disliked and any issues that may have presented during the use of it.

Then, and only then, she would determine if it was something that she wanted to use in her classroom. It the new tool passed the test, she would put it to use. If the new program survived and the students had fun creating a project that supported this new technology and still had fun and actually learned something new, she determined it was a good tool to add to her list of successful tools for the classroom. This technology is huge in the classroom from kindergarden to College, it has quickly become the most used and popular tool online for education. My granddaughter, age 5 now, last year, actually had exposure to come of this technology in her pre-school. She got to use Google earth and learned how to access a group “[|Picasa]” site to play with pictures and create photos with her own designs, but she has been playing on computers since she was 3 years old, and has a real knack for it. A study based in 2009, surveyed 2100 school districts and the information that they compiled was that there was enough interest in Web 2.0, but the constraints were the concern. Some of the key findings in this research was that admistrators were overwhelmed by the impact of this technology on their students. Some admistrators wanted to see that only approved websites were available to students using this technology. Back in 2009 it was found that the majority of school districts had ban the use of social networks and chatrooms. They found there while there was a low level of us, the implications were significate and so were the opportunities for learning.

I honestly think that it depends on the State that you reside in, as to the amount of use of the amazing learning tool The west coast seems to be a little more lax in the use of these technologies in the classroom, where the east coast seems to be a little more restrictive in this area. But then you run into the more highend schools in comparison to the schools that are being robbed (my words) of all the academic funding needed to educate our children. They better funded schools have everything they need to educate their students, including all the new technologies as well. Success for students is, as we all know, based on the amount of funding available to teach them what they need to know to be successful. As the publication “Integrating Web 2.0 into the Classroom: Changing the Culture of Learning” states, “Teachers use this tool everyday in classrooms. They set goals for students to accomplish using specific programs, and grade them on their knowledge and accomplishment using said tool.” They also found that “Inovative teachers are using the networked nature and ease of Web 2.0 to create virtual extensions of their classrooms. “



I think we need to stop and think about the education of our children and what the future holds for them. It is going to be imparative them to know how to use these tools, for the Internet is the future and they must be involved and have knowledge of its use to succeed, not only in school, but in life. For those that are going down fighting, we, the mothers and fathers of future Business leaders, Politicians, and everything other occupation out there, say “Give it up!” We need to invest in our childrens education now more than ever, and keep up with Technology while making sure that they get what they need to be successful in their future. It just has to be done. There has been a serious failing in our educational system already. The statement “Leave no student behind”, has long since gone out the window. But I digress, as this is a real pet peeve of mine. Teachers decide on which tools to use and this is not only based on the application or program that they provide, but also the ease of use. This key factor gives them the ability to promote new avenues of communication amoung teachers, students, the community to help strengthen that bond. It causes interaction between all of them, students, teachers, parents, and the public become involved in the education process. We now go to to some of the new sites that have emerged into the education process and are being used by teachers:



__[|FunBrain]__

If you are looking for a great collection of educational games, look no further. This gives teachers fun tools for math and reading. 



__[|Knewton]__

This one is an adaptive tool and has been a hot item over that last few months.This site personalizes Online learning content for students according to his/her needs.



__[|Educreations]__

This is an amazing tool for ipad that lets the teacher/or student create video that teaches a given topic. Perfect for studying or getting students to show off their knowledge.



The whole thing is, this is a perfect opportunity for teachers, students and administrators to be educated in the use of new and exciting applications and tools online. This exposure allows them all to stay current on all events and happens online and thereby being on top of all things new online. This is exciting! The future for learning is evolving to keep up with technology and keep our children caught up as well. Our future relies on the education of our children. Keeping up with technology is vital to their education. In Oregon, we now have a new program called[| K thru 12] the allows children to be educated online. In researching this recently, I found that they use a lot of Web 2.0 technology to educate in their classes. This is a learning center for children of parents who are tired of public education. It is something my daughter and I are considered for my grandson to begin next year and with all the online tools, all I can see is a successful learning experience and have heard nothing but good reviews about this program. In conclusion, we are on the right track for educating our children with the tools they will need to survive in a technologically based world, and this is where they start. By learning how to utilize these tools and incorporate them into everyday learning it will become second nature to learn and use them and new versions of them in the future.

Citations:

1. Murray, Jacqul. "Ask a Tech Teacher." Web log post. //Ask a Tech Teacher//. Wordpress, 25 Jan. 2012. Web. 30 Aug. 2012. <[|http://askatechteacher.wordpress.com/2012/01/25/top-13-web-2-0-tools-for-classrooms/]>.

2. Light, Daniel. "Intergrating Web 2.0 Tools into the Classroom: Changing the Culture of Learning." //Center for Children & Technology//. N.p., 1 June 2010. Web. 30 Aug. 2012. <[]>.

3. Anderson, Steve. "Blogging About The Web 2.0 Connected Classroom." Web log post. //: 5 Sites To Explore This School Year//. Blogger, 22 Aug. 2010. Web. 30 Aug. 2012. <[]>.

4. Union, Craig. "Researchers for Web 2.0." Web log post. //Flat Classrooms//. N.p., 29 May 2012. Web. 30 Aug. 2012. <[]>.

5. D'Aversa, Gianfranco. "50 Education Technology Tools." //Scribd//. N.p., 26 Aug. 2012. Web. 30 Aug. 2012. <[]>.

Posted by Mary Bond

**Using Social Networking for making vacation plans **  Planning a vacation is a worth wile project, even though it is time consuming it is worth the effort. I have recently learned that there are several social networking sights that will help in this project. You can do just about anything on line these days as well as meeting people to take a vacation with. But if you want to make actual plans to go with family and are not planning to fly by the seat of your pants, so to speak. There are many travel agents on line as well as in person but why not save a little money and make the plans yourself. Speaking from a simple lady, in a simple town with the only reason for traveling is that she can finally afford it, for the first time in her life. Once you have figured out who is going, how you’re going to get there and back, and where you want to stay in order then you can start a process of elimination. Let’s say for grins and giggles that we are going to Hawaii. First thing, must fly to get there and back. Having a car is reasonable there also for it is an island, but it is a big one. So, a car is recommended even though the bus system there is very good and goes around the entire island. Finding a good hotel will come up on the search engine you use to look for deals. One thing I highly recommend, that is to read any and all reviews on the hotel you want to stay in or the one that interests you. You will be able to tell the ones with genuine reviews over the ones who never are happy no matter what. Go to your trip site, we will use Expedia for now. Pick the package if you want this option. Fly, car, and hotel. == · What charges can I expect to see on my credit card for my Vacation Package?  PLAN YOUR TRIP ON EXPEDIA == Book flight + Hotel at the same time, save up to $525. Click to learn more. If after choosing, or even while choosing which plan you want, you can call and a customer service rep. will come on the phone and help you, as well as offer you specials that are not on the site.
 * Tips for finding good deals when shopping for Vacation Packages
 * Can I reserve a shuttle or a limousine for my trip?
 *  Flight
 * Hotel
 * Activities [[image:lcccis125wsummer2012/fb_graph.png width="495" height="283" align="right"]]
 *  Cruise
 *  Flight + Hotel
 *  Flight + Car
 *  Flight + Hotel + Car
 *  Hotel + C

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">[] is a site on and specific to Lane County. So go to the Craigslist in your area and click on services offered and there you go.

<span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 24px;">Cabo San Lucas, Mexico ($1,800) (Pueblo Bonito Rose Resort)
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Date: 2012-08-28, 9:37AM PDT

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Trip to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico from Dec. 17-24, 2012 (eight days, seven nights) in a Luxury Suite. Located at Pueblo Bonito Rose Resort [] on Medano Beach within walking distance to downtown Cabo San Lucas. All inclusive (all meals and drinks -- domestic alcohol too) can be purchased through the hotel prior to trip or upon arrival. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;"> For instance, this trip to Mexico, you may need to be able to travel at the drop of a hat on some of these trip options; however if you can some of these are this best deals. Just remember, to use common sense on some of these things, like sending money in advance, and the like. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;"> Facebook has a tab called Marketplace and there are all types of things there to help you find a trip, and again just be mindful and watch your step and in this process you may book one of the best trips of your life. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;"> Personally, I went with Expedia to go to Hawaii two years ago. They were the best deal for me and I trusted the transaction between us. Also, speaking to an agent at the same time, I was able to get some discounts and upgrades before I even got there. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;"> So if you are a simple family or single that wants to travel, there are so many options out there for us now that we can go to the web. True that if you want it or have a question about it, there will be an answer on the internet.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;"> **T** **rip It** -- is a great way to organize and share your travel plans. Its biggest advantage over many other services is the ability to pull in travel data and organize it in a way that’s easy to understand, plotting out important trip details, such as flight, hotel and car rental information. Even more impressive, it shows you the information in the order that you need it — departing flight time, arrival time, car rental details, hotel location and so on, throwing in other useful resources, such as local maps.
 * 1) **TripIt**

<span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 24px;">2. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 24px;">Dopplr
Dopplr automatically shares your travel plans (only location and dates) with the network that you cultivate on the service — you can find friends through all the major social networks and e-mail services. Connecting to Facebook, XING and Friend Feed, or embedding the Dopplr blog badge, also allows you to
 * Dopplr --**is a service that enables members to share travel plans with their networks and exchange tips on places to stay, eat and explore.

<span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 24px;">3. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 24px;">Bumped.in

 * Bumped.in** is an online travel service that believes “traveling doesn’t have to be lonely.” It focuses on [|social media serendipity], connecting travelers on the same path. Friends and family, you’re sharing your itinerary with complete strangers. So why not get to know a fellow commuter or traveler?



__ List of sites used in paper __ [] <span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 24px;">[] <span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 24px;">[] [] Edited by Linda Todd