Thing Five.

Hello to all!  Whew!  Thing 4 was a pill.  I loved commenting on everyones' posts, but IT TOOK FOREVER!!!!

Welcome to a discussion on Web 2.0.

The first article I read was a guide for educators (which is exactly what I need).  I liked how this article explained that Web 2.0 transformed the world into a "planet-wide networked community".  All of the new technology shrinks our world (I have mentioned this in a previous post) to where no matter where you are you can communicate and even do business across the world.  The best part is that it is FREE (mostly)!!



Hey, look what I did!!  I didn't know I could put pics in my blog.  Wow, I just learn something new everyday in this class.
This image is from Wikipedia on their page about Web 2.0, which was another perspective I read for Thing #5.  It is so bizarre to read about the history of a term, and the oldest date associated is 1999.  I was graduating from high school (party like it's 1999) when this term began.  That really makes me think how far behind I am when learning about the web.  I plan to remedy that with this class, and be a teacher that utilizes technology.  A small bit of information about Web 3.0 ends this article, but I have to master 2.0 first!!!! C'mon man!

If I was to put the term School 2.0 into my owns words is would be -- nonlinear education.  School is no longer in the following steps: 
1. Read a chapter.
2. Takes notes on the chapter.
3. Do a worksheet on the chapter.
4. Take a test on the chapter.
5. Wash, rinse and repeat!
Teachers today are finding new and intriguing ways to keep students engaged, and technology is one of the main components to make that happen.  Now and in the future, classes can be entirely online, textbooks can become obsolete, smart phones are allowed in classes, and twitter accounts can update students on the latest from their teachers.  School 2.0 DOES prove that there is more than one way for students to learn.  The schools of the future have a limitless ability to integrate technology into their classrooms.  I don't think any of us can wrap our minds around what a classroom will look like in 20 years.

DISCLAIMER:  Let us not get so focused on the web that our students no longer know how to write cursive, read a paperback book so many times if begins to fall apart, behave respectfully to teachers and peers, raise their hand, stand in line, wait patiently, play dodgeball and kickball at recess, and all the things we learned in our "old school" schools.

Onward to my next post!  Five down and eighteen to go!