Definition of Web 2.0
Web 2.0
is a concept that refers to the Internet as a platform for information
and idea-sharing and collaboration. A Web 2.0 site allows users to
interact and collaborate with each other in a social media dialogue. The
user is also the creator of content as opposed to a passive viewer of
information. Some examples of Web 2.0 include social networking
sites, blogs, wikis, video-sharing, web applications, etc.
Rationale
Because
we are treading in some new territory with the explosion of Web 2.0
tools available to us, it's important that we navigate carefully.
Understandably, parents (and teachers) are frightened by the wholesale
unleashing of tools about which we don't fully understand the potential
pitfalls. Keeping this in mind, it's important that we learn as much as
possible about the tools before we introduce them into our classrooms.
This is especially true of social media tools that have varying layers
of privacy settings (or the lack there of), as well as complex “terms of
use” clauses. Teachers
must navigate these layers with common sense as well as an ongoing
professionalism and commitment to a safe educational environment.
This
class is designed to explore some of these Web 2.0 tools and ultimately
assess different mediums and their potential in the classroom. Although
common sense should be the guide, here are some other very important
guidelines to keep at the forefront of your practice:
- Does the principal and do the parents know what web-based tools you are using with students and what your clear instructional purpose, goals and objectives are?
- Have you established a code of conduct/acceptable use policy for all participants, discussed it in class and informed parents?
- Have you thoroughly read the site’s “Terms of Use,” looking for pitfalls like age restrictions?
- Have you taken steps to ensure privacy and a respectful environment via the site’s security/privacy settings? Does the site allow anonymity for comments? Should it?
- If using images or video content is part of you plan, have you flagged students whose files do not allow this content to be posted? These parental release forms are on file in TIES and in the office.
It is not
always easy to discern what tools best compliment what parts of the
curriculum. One of the culminating exercises of Summer Camp 2.0 will be
to explore some different scenarios and reflect on the educational
implications of each. We hope that the Summer Camp “Fitness
Assessment” later on in the course (Activity 9) will
exercise your brain in a new and different way and help you begin
crafting a narrative of how best to harness the benefits of Web 2.0
while minimizing the risks. Ultimately, our district believes that
the benefits outweigh the harms, but that teachers need to be
particularly well-versed in policy and do his/her best to address the
guidelines posted above.
Links to School Resources:
Social Media and Instruction
Choosing the Right Medium
Use of Technology-Staff
Links to School Resources:
Social Media and Instruction
Choosing the Right Medium
Use of Technology-Staff
