Monday, July 14, 2008

Chapter 1: New World, New Web, New Skills

Chapter one discusses how there is a change from how the internet was used when it was first introduced to today, where individuals have the opportunity to create and share information. The web has changed drastically; the way it's used went from delivering information for individuals to read to where individuals can post their own information and also be able to have others comment/edit their work. Web 2.0 offers these new tools that lets people collaberate on projects without having to be in the same room. Such tool, for example, like Wikipedia lets "multiple users to participate by editing, commenting, and polishing a document."

Many parts of the world are realizing the potential these tools have on the job market today and have even intiated computer programs into their schools so that their students can remain competitive with the rest.

Blogs are another way for people to connect with others, share their thoughts and opinions about things (even political views!). Some of my friends with their own families have blogs to keep family and friends up-to-date on their fun filled lives of caring for new little ones in their life. I for one enjoy reading them; everday life humor is much more enjoyable than ones people force to create on tv and hope that you'd find it funny. I do see a downside of blogging though. During college, I remember a friend who blogged about how a meeting went. Since many of his friends were connect to the blog, a few were offended and began blogging about how my friend felt and also added their opinions about the person. In such cases, blogs can create drama. I am sure there are other situations such as political views. I even found restuarants having their own blogs that feature specials of the week!

"Students cannot master 21st century skills unless their teachers are well trained and supported in this type of instruction," pg. 18. This statement from the text is so important to why teachers need to learn and accept new technology into their instruction. There are still teachers out there that refuses to even use a document camera and projector and continues to use the old method of making overheads and an old projector. Teachers need to realize how this new technology created to help them. We always encourage our students to continue learning throughout our lives; teachers should follow what they teach and do the same with technology. "When enough people are brave enough to use it, it will become the norm."

What I really like about Web 2.0 is that it is FREE! There are so many programs and tools on the net that are free to use. Cost is not an issue.

1 comments:

  1. The opportunities to collaborate; the web platform eliminating so much of the problems created by mismatched software and hardware and as you said, the price, these are all features that are making technology more feasible for a broader spectrum of users. It is exciting!!!

    ReplyDelete

 
Mrs. McConnell's Class Copyright © 2012 Design by Ipietoon Blogger Template