As I slowly work towards becoming an innovative user of technology in the classroom, I must say that I was glad to learn about Web 2.0 tools notably blogs and wikis. These two tools have opened up a wide range of possibilities for teaching and learning. As Web 2.0 tools, both are highly collaborative, require very little technological expertise to use and are easily accessible and free once there is Internet. Blogs allow users to share their ideas and opinions on topics of interests whereas wikis allow users to share and edit information on webpages.
In classrooms where these tools are embraced children are no longer seen in front of a textbook or photocopied material passively retrieving information, instead pupils are involved in working on web pages, sharing ideas in groups, editing each other’s work, commenting on topics of interests, reading each other’s work and writing for different reasons. The class becomes a community of learners! Blogs and wikis also cater to the different learning styles of students ( N.B. multiple intelligences). They also motivate pupils to read and write more as graphics, audio, and connection to other websites can be used. Students develop their own voice as they are given many opportunities to publish. They become confident and independent readers and writers.
Teachers too, because of the collaborative nature of blogs and wikis move away from the boring traditional ways of teaching such as with the use of rote, drills and the lecture method. Teachers now act as facilitators guiding and monitoring students’ learning. They can use blogs and wikis to help pupils to revise their work as well as improve in their work.
As I get more involved in the technology I am realizing more and more that this is truly the way to go! Let’s embrace it colleagues!
Bernice,
ReplyDeleteI express your sentiments that integrating technology in the classroom is the way to go.We see the glow on the students' faces when they go to Computer classes and see the disappointment when they have no computer classes.I can imagine how enthusiastic they would be if technology is integrated in classroom learning.The learning results will be greater. However, I know that the educators have to get accustomed to the tools required to teach, using blogs and wikis.
Your enthusiasm is conatgious but I myself took some time to grow accustomed to Web 2.0 technology especially blogs. I unfortunately belong to a low performing school where the technology is locked in a computer lab in a building that has electrical problems. Once I attend a workshop where technological tools were offered by the MOE. On putting the school's name on a list, I was challenged. Is your lab functional? Many schools like mine suffer from poor pedigree, we want to do better but are not supported in our efforts.
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