Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Integration of 1:1 Technology in the Classroom


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 the next 75 minutes we will look at
various tools that can be used effectively in the classroom to enable students to think, create and collaborate.

Something to think about before we begin....



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

And something else...

Even if you have a 21st Century classroom, flexible and adaptable; even if you are a 21st Century teacher; An adaptor, a communicator, a leader and a learner, a visionary and a model, a collaborator and risk taker; even if your curriculum reflects the new paradigm and you have the facilities and resources that could enable 21st century learning - you will only be a 21st century teacher if how we teach changes as well. Our pedagogy must also change.

Collaboration is not a 21st century skill it is a 21st century essential.

This has been taken directly from Educational Origami - a great blogger regarding the research behind a 21st century pedagogy. Educational Origami - 21st Century Pedagogy. Also, when considering why and how to use Web 2.0, think about the application of Digital Blooms Taxonomy.

So, considering this, why would you, or do you, use Web 2.0 in the classroom. To begin with, lets do a poll.


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.
Another excellent tool to create and present is using Prezi. Check out Web2.0 in the Classroom as an excellent example.
1. Creating Online Resources
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

Unit 4 Geography 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.

Glogser provides an online poster creator, which enables video and audio to be added to the poster. There is a gallery of graphics available, but users can upload their own images and media. Users can record video and audio directly at the site. An example of a Glog - Web2.0 or a student example - Development




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 a wordle created from the following blog post - 21st century Pedagogy.




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.


Go2Web2.0 - A site that provides links to Web 2.0 tools for education.

Mashpedia, Boolify and Wolfram/Alpha - Great search engines.

Classroom 2.0 - Ideas on using Web 2.0 in the classroom.

Web2.0 in the classroom - Another great resource on using Web 2.0 in the classroom.

Creative Commons - Accessing non-copyright images for your classroom - a great resource.