Week 4 - Blog #8 - Reflection on Blogging

I have really enjoyed learning more about Web 2.0 tools. I had not realized that I was even using Web 2.0 tools before, and I never heard of Web 2.0. The possibilities of Web 2.0 tools in education is enormous, and I am excited to have students begin using some of the things I have learned about. I find Web 2.0 tools good for work in collaboration and engaging students. I know the students will buy in to learning more when they see that technology is involved. I love the creative features that Web 2.0 tools have.

The major weakness I see is that many applications are blocked within school districts. Of course, many of the tools I have learned about are more unknown, and that is an advantage. Also, anyone can post anything, so students will have to be taught how to discern what is relevant.

I am very excited to use web 2.0 tools such as Zoho, Google docs, ning, blogging, engrade, etc. in the classroom. I am excited for my students. And an added bonus is when I get this all set up, is it makes life more easy on me as well!

Week 4 - Blog #7 - Second Life

Second Life is an experience that has been interesting these last few months. I can see possibilities for its use in the education world. Many people love it, and could spend hours in it. This video I watched helped me learn more about the possibilities of Second Life. I had not realized all the possibilities there are. This video shows how students can be immersed in various worlds they are learning about. They can learn to build, take quizzes, and watch videos. They can walk through tutorials. The possibilities are numerous. The aspect that stood out to me the most is going to the different worlds, such as the Renaissance world, and being inside a Van Gogh painting. This type of learning could be very valuable and engaging for students.

Personally, I have not really fully enjoyed using Second Life. I have experienced frustration when I am trying to find something, but not getting the results I want. Second Life would be best if a class had a teacher that was very experienced in it, and could guide them through the experience. I would be interested in checking out information on Second Life for kids also, as I know some of the content in Second Life now is not necessarily appropriate for children.

I came across a resource that was very interesting as far as education and Second Life go. At http://sleducation.wikispaces.com/educationaluses there is a list of places in Second Life that are appropriate for whatever area you are trying to teach. I actually wish I had come across this earlier as I was experiencing frustration about using Second Life. After finding this list, I am excited to explore some of the places and see what is available.

My conclusion about Second Life is that it could be a very useful tool in education with the right resources. The teacher must be willing to guide students through the experience, or the students will get nothing out of the experience. If the teacher is willing to do this, the students could engage in very productive and memorable learning.

References

http://sleducation.wikispaces.com/educationaluses

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOFU9oUF2HA