Sara M. Reaver
EDUC 463
Vision Statement Revised
In an ideal classroom, finances would not be an issue when integrating technology into the classroom environment. However, those classrooms that are fortunate enough to have the equipment needed for students to thrive on web 2.0 tools have a lot of benefits for both teachers and students to learn. Hypothetically thinking, let us just dream that all classrooms have the computers, overhead projectors, wireless, cable connections, and flash drives for each student - the possibilities are endless. As educators, we are able to create interactive, informational lessons that will allow students to be creative and original in their own way. Giving students specific timelines to follow, they work at their own pace. Allowing cooperative activities allows students to build on their own ideas as well as the ideas of others.
Opportunities have opened themselves so that students and teachers alike are able to communicate with educators from around the world. As educators, we have the world at our fingertips, and we have the opportunity to open it to our students, if we show them the correct steps. There are many ways that teachers can interact with students: social bookmarking, instructional podcasts, media-enriched power-point, Moodle, Audacity, Photo Story, and Inspiration just to name a few. Many programs allow students to complete projects and assignments independently. Google Earth allows students to travel around the world through the internet, allowing them to view areas of the world where they may be communicating with other students. Along with all the exciting web 2.0 opportunities, it is important that we as educators teach about the dangers of the internet, copyright policies, and fair use policies.
Having these useful tools at our finger tips is beneficial however; teachers need to feel confident with presenting this information to students, through professional development, training, and graduate courses. Proper training of these tools allows the internet to be used to its full potential. I believe the “web2.0 world” has many benefits to advance young minds and a multitude of ways for educators to grow as teachers in this ever changing world.