An Unhappy Experience with Web 2.0

Each time I learn a new Web 2.0 tool, one of my first thoughts is about trying it out in the classroom. It's almost like Christmas and there is a shiny toy that I just have to share with my friends, but in this case the friends are students and other teachers, and the shiny toy is some fun Web 2.0 application. Then comes the inevitable let-down when I get to school and discover that one of two unfortunate scenarios exist. The first one being worse than the second because it is the teaser.

Say, for example you want to use Quizlet to help prepare your students for an upcoming test. You set up your account at school, and create some vocabulary review flashcards, and are ready to try it out with students. Class begins and the students log on to the computers and follow all of your instructions and the site is BLOCKED. You had no idea that the students were not able to use this website. It worked fine for you as the educator.

The second scenario is that neither the educator nor the student can access the website at all. There are so many useful Web 2.0 tools that do not make it into the classroom. Generally, students are aware of one type of Web 2.0, social networking.

In all fairness, there is a process to get some of these sites unblocked for student usage. However, this does take at least a couple of days to a week or more depending on the site you want to use. The novelty of the new toy (or Web 2.0 tool) dims a bit in the frustration of having to jump through hoops for the students to have access to the application.

My hope is that we can all work together to find some ways to increase communication between educators and the technology coordinators (the head honchos) about using Web 2.0 in the classroom. One of our goals for the students is to promote collaboration, and we need the ability to use a wide variety of tools in the classroom to meet this challenge. I am excited to see what the future holds for our students in terms of technology and Web 2.0.

My Fishbone

Learning another fun tool

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Kerpoof

Although I had some difficulty with Jing at first; it is quite useful.  For some reason, Jing froze up on me the first few times I tried to use it.  However, after I uninstalled and reinstalled, everything worked great.  One thing that annoyed me was that I had to keep starting over because my capture box would cut something off because my capture window wasn't large enough.  I did like the ability to capture the screen and incorporate audio.  That is a definite plus for Jing.  I'm sure that I will be using Jing again in the future.  I just have to learn not to talk too much.
 

Kerpoof is geared more for elementary and middle school students.  It is cute and easy to use.  One of the reasons I picked it is because my students are finishing up GoAnimate projects and sharing their cartoons this week.  


Here are some other web 2.0 tools that could be fun and useful for the classroom:
Tripline  You can create maps that can teach about geography, history, or share your vacation pictures, video, and more.  This one could easily be incorporated into my Spanish classes.
Middlespot  This allows you to mashup the web.  You can include any web content, and share it with other people. 
Wallwisher  This works as an online message board, like an electronic bulletin board.  You can include video and pictures too.

Cloud Computing and Web 2.0

Cloud computing has a variety of definitions depending upon which source you check.   Basically, with cloud computing you are able to save your work on a remote server instead of on your hard drive or desktop.  Many of us think of Google Docs as an example of cloud computing that we have used in our online classes.

Some  of the advantages of cloud computing include more flexibility since you can access your saved information from anywhere with Internet, the cost is less expensive because you don't need to set up servers or purchase extra software, and you can have the latest updates for your documents since the cloud hosts the most recent versions.

Disadvantages of cloud computing include security issues since the data you have stored is on the Internet.   Another issue is the need for a strong, reliable Internet connection, especially if you are using multiple apps at the same time off of the cloud.      

I think there is some confusion between the terms cloud computing and web 2.0. Online applications or software as a service is one thing that web 2.0 and cloud computing have in common.

While searching You Tube I found two good videos that explain the idea of cloud computing and web 2.0 from Explaining Computers.

Photo Story and Animoto

Wow, this was incredible. I absolutely loved playing with both Photo Story 3 and Animoto. There are definite advantages to both programs. Animoto was so easy to use, and I was thrilled with the final product. It didn't really bother me that I couldn't include my voice. However, I think that Photo Story 3 is the better choice for digital storytelling because you have more flexibility. Students could actually tell the story in their own voices, which can be a powerful tool. I must admit that I was more excited about setting up a You Tube account than anything else! It has been a very fun experience getting familiar with these two programs.

Playing with Animoto

This is a crafting activity that we do in beginning-level Spanish classes.  I had fun putting it together!  Music is by Mango Punch!, the song is Nada, Nada off the Animoto site.



Here is an example with more detailed instructions, but I don't like it as much.  Added on 2/13/11.

My First Podcast!

This podcast was created to share with my beginning Spanish students.  It has a few important learning tips.  Please check out Audionautix for great music.  Thank you Jason Shaw!