For Countywide Inservice 2007, I attended a session with David Warlick and was introduced to the concept of Web 2.0. The information he gave was overwhelming. While I'd heard of blogging, I never realized the extent to which Web 2.0 existed. The powerpoint about networking within companies really struck me as an amazing tool. We are not just unnamed cogs in a corporate entity, but living, breathing contributors--Web 2.0 allows for us to play so many more roles (mentor, learner, publicist, publisher...) than we thought possible. How can anyone be bored with their work?! Educators are definitely a part of this, although we don't have anything linking our particular staff together. Only a few of our teachers are involved in this online conversation (and I am now adding myself to that list). But since our staff finds it difficult to collaborate during the school day, using Web 2.0 could mean so much in improving our knowledge and ability to communicate. We could better promote the good going on in our school and classrooms if we took full advantage of this technology.
As I've noted in a previous post, sitting at a computer and joining the conversation sometimes creates a bubble. But I'm seeing now that Web 2.0 does make it possible for that bubble to burst if it is used as a tool in the right way. I'm already excited about learning how to engage kids in conversations through this technology--and giving a voice to those who have a hard time expressing their own in traditional ways. My hope is that those who determine curriculum and design proficiency tests are learning about this world and are willing to explore how we can better respond to/adapt to these changes. Testing itself isn't evil--but it definitely seems to expect the cookie cutter, factory model of the past. We have to move forward.
We do need to move forward, I agree. There is definately more to it than taking a test. I remember being stressed to the max before a test. I always felt that I was a terrible test taker & became ill just thinking about it. I studied and I always did fairly well, but it was just the idea that it ultimately came down to a "test". I didn't have to take the tests that our students take now. So I sympathize & always make that a "special" week and we do something relaxing and fun (I teach elem. Art) The students come in my room and they look so exhausted! There has to be something else, something more!
ReplyDeleteFor years, many teachers have literally shut the door to their classroom and done their own thing. Many faculty members have never collaborated with someone right down the hall. Now, however, those that want to, and are open to new ideas, can collaborate with teachers across the county or around the world! Students too! There are numerous examples of students in different countries working together on a project. Very exciting possibilities for those who wish to step outside their comfort zone.
ReplyDeleteI agree that networking with other teachers is the best way to gather new ideas and techniques that work with our students. It is difficult to stay one step ahead of them technologically. I the possibilities are exciting, but the time involves still seems daunting to me.... hopefully, by thing 23 I will have a better handle on it.
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