What an amazing journey the web 2.0 course has been…It has been in many ways like visiting a foreign country. At first there were so many terms and sites that were completely unfamiliar to me…glogster, flikr, google docs, bubbl.us... just to name a few. Now I feel much more confident in actually using some of this web 2.0 language. At times, I did encounter some frustrations and challenges…it took me literally hours to navigate and understand some of the sites and tools and I wondered if I would actually make it to the end. However, as with any journey there were many high points and “Ah ha” moments when the penny dropped and I feel that I have achieved a lot. Fortunately my laptop and I are still friends as there were times when the relationship was definitely at risk.
The e-learning and iLE@RN video is spot on in that we really need to provide students with engaging learning environments. Web 2.0 can definitely provide stimulation for students, however the technology is only as effective as the teachers and students using it. We need to remember that the technology is merely a tool that teachers can use to help student develop important thinking skills.
The Bloom’s digital technology map provides a very clear outline of how Web 2.0 technology can be used to develop thinking skills at a variety of levels. I plan to embed some of these skills in my program for next term.
Completing the Web 2.0 course is really just the end of the beginning. Technology is expanding at such a fast rate and it is so important to keep abreast of this wave of change so that we can make learning as engaging as possible for students. My challenge now is to continue to use the many skills I have learnt in a practical and effective way so that I will consolidate and continue to develop in this world of technology. I am very grateful for having had this opportunity and encourage others to persevere as it is very practical and relevant course.
Julie,
ReplyDeleteI have enjoyed reading through your posts- I am just starting the Web2 process and I am feeling inspired from the enthusiasm with which you have commented on your findings and journey. Looking at the dates though, I am also feeling a little daunted that I have such a short time frame to learn things that you gathered over the course of a year. I am finding that I am spending hours just navigating my way around options in the early modules - and I haven't even begun to learn about some of the modules you found useful and fascinating. I'm looking forward to exploring them though.....
Helen
Julia you have certainly encouraged me. Reading your blog has been inspirational. Your depth and understanding confirm the need to use all these tools but also helps me to persist and use them with time and patience to make the best use of them as I gain confidence and competence.
ReplyDeleteWe are teaching in a world which is immersed in technology and have the most incredible tools at our hands. I am currently progressing through each module and amazed at the possibilities. You have certainly furthered my understanding. Ta
Giulia
Dear Julia, I have read every one of your posts as I have navigated my way through the Web 2 course. I have used your comments as a touchstone and they have helped me enormously. You're my Web2 guru! Thankyou!
ReplyDelete