Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Web 2.0 Resources and Global Education

Web 2.0 technology and social media are now a large part of our everyday lives. The challenge as educators is to use these tools effectively in the classroom, so that they enhance current digital pedagogy. In particular, global education could utilise these tools to promote global active citizenship, create collaborative online spaces and also provide another way of developing resources across the country.

How Does Web 2.0 fit into the Global Education Framework?

Twenty-first century Australians are members of a global community, connected to the whole world by ties of culture, economics and politics, enhanced communication and travel and a shared environment.

Enabling young people to participate in shaping a
better shared future for the world is at the heart of global education. It emphasises the unity and interdependence of human society, developing a sense of self and appreciation of cultural diversity, affirmation of social justice and human rights, building peace and actions for a sustainable future in different times and places.

Taken from Global Perspectives: A Framework for Global Education in Australian Schools

Something to think about before we begin....




His previous talk - Do School's Kill Creativity? can be viewed by clicking on the link.






What does Web 2.0 Mean for the Classroom?


Go to ericedvid2's Youtube channel for many more videos on Web 2.0 in the classroom.

Today's workshop will provide an overview of some of the many tools that are available online (and mostly for free) that can be used to in Global Education Projects.

What is Web 2.0 Technology?
What is Web 2.0? View more presentations from Rebecca Nicholas.
Web2.0 or social media provides educators with the opportunity to engage students in their own learning. Here are some examples of how.
1. Creating Online Resources
Facebook
Blogs
Bec's Classes 2010


Creating an blog is not difficult. The video below shows a step by step instruction on how to create a blog using Edublogs or Global Teacher.




And this shows you how to embed a Youtube video (or any video) into your blog.





New blogging sites are popping up every day. Another you can use with the advantage of not having an email to sign up with is 21 Classes.

Wikis

Global Education Project - Mock Wiki

The following video provides a step-by-step guide on setting up your first wiki. This video uses wikispaces however there are other options
, such as pbwiki.




Adding to Your Blog or Wiki

Slideshare allows you to upload powerpoint or keynote presentations and then embed them into a wiki or blog.

Presi - A site that allows you to create interesting presentation, either on or offline. These can be uploaded and then embedded in y
our blog or wiki.

Videos

Drag on Tape - This is a site that allows you to create mixtapes of your favourite Youtube videos. A demo is outlined below.

Dragontape Demo Video from Dragontape on Vimeo.

Xtranormal - This is a great site that allows students to make their own digital animations by typing in text.

Collaborating with Images

Fotobabble - This site provides the user with the tools to create a photo slideshow and add voiceover. This can then be embedded in wikis, blogs and other online collaborative sites.

Shwup - Allows students to collaborate and share photos and vidoes online in a secure environment. Educators could use this tool for students to categorise their own images for future tasks.

Jaycut - An online tool that allows students to create their own movies using images, video footage and sound. It is very similar to iMovie but you don't need the software...

Nings

Bec's Race Class

This is a great tool, similar to facebook, that allows students to collaborate online. The best way to use a ning is to ensure that you have a purpose and understand what you want out of the technology.

2. Tools to Collaborate in the Classroom

Twitter - providing information in 140 characters. Groups can establish their own Twitter channel and provide update information on what is happening around the world. Using the hashtag - # - as a search tool is also a great way to look at what is popular or 'trending'. An example is the Chile Volcano. Often links to images, twitpics, are linked to a tweet.

WallWisher - This is a great site that allows you to post and brainstorm information. It is very handy when watching videos or discussing a topic. I used it specifically to diamond rank factors associated with issues.

EdModo - Like Twitter, but can be used in the classroom. Something to consider trialling as you watch a video or discussion in class.


Another example uses the same idea as Twitter - TodaysMeet

Wordle - A brainstorming tool that allows students and teachers to create and determine the importance of words associated with a concept.
For example, below is the section 'What is Global Education' taken from Global Perspectives: A Framework for Global Education in Australian Schools.

3. Excellent Links to Provide the Content and Activities on Blogs and Wikis

Gapminder
One of my favourite sites as a Geography teacher. The best tool to compare data on most gobal topics - more than just population and development.




Mapping - Google Earth, Google Maps and Others

Google Maps and Google Earth are amazing tools for Geography teachers. Both mapping tools are updated frequently. There is not enough time today to show you everything that Google Earth and Maps can do.... but below are some examples of how to use Google Maps and Earth in the classroom.


View Numinbah Catchment Field Trip in a larger map



CIA Factbook in Google Earth


Show@World

BBC Dimensions - How Big Is It Really?

Scribble Maps - A site that allows the user to create, write on, sketch around and make notes on a map. This map can be saved as an image and saved as a link for the future.


Simple Guide Tool - A site that incorporates Google Street View, Google Maps and live video chat. A user can speak to someone else online and provide a 'guided tour' of the location. Wonderful for fieldwork, and particularly for schools that speak to other schools overseas.

MappyFriends - How Big is Your World - A site that allows you to provide reviews and information on places you have visited.

TripLine - Allows the user to make shareable, animated maps with photos, music and stories.

Other Resources

Education Eye - A search engine that maps educational innovation and categorises news sites by research and practice. A great teacher resource to remain up-to-date.

We are Teachers
- A collaborative site where teachers share innovative ideas and teaching practice.


Geography 2.0: A Juicy Way to Mash Up Learning

Web 2.0 Tools from Mr Smith's World Geography at Room203

Interesting!

National Geographic Tropical Island Infinite Photo