Educational Benefits of Web 2.0 Tools

Web 2.0 refers to the second generation of the World Wide Web (www) which incorporates the social media applications many of us use daily. Web 2.0 enable a global collaborative learning environment using technology as the platform for learning. These tools are changing the way our students learn, socialize and learn basic technological skills. Students learn 21^st century skills, collaboration and digital citizenship through using Web 2.0 tools. Partnership for 21^st Century Skills (P21) define 21^st century skills as critical thinking, problem solving, good communicators, collaboration, information and technology literacy, flexible and adaptability, innovation and creativity, globally competency and financial literacy. (Partnership for 21st Century Skills, 2009) Web 2.0 tools support state and national standards. Additionally, Web 2.0 tools in the classroom provide a variety of methods for differentiation and teaching for multiple intelligence's.

“24% of teens go online “almost constantly,”” (PEW Research Center, 2015) Facebook remains the most widely used social media site among teens. When we create a learning atmosphere that is relevant and similar to student’s lives outside of the classroom, students become more motivated, connected to their classroom and school, and engaged in their learning. As teachers we need to adapt to our every changing future. Technology is advancing at a rapid rate and we must also adapt our teaching methods at a similar rate so that we are preparing our students for their future.  Web 2.0 tools allow us to adapt our teaching to meet the current and future needs of our students.

In the science classroom, Web 2.0 tools can be used in a variety of ways.

Quick Response Questions

Formative assessments in the form of quick response questions help educators assess for understanding and adjust teaching to meet the needs of their students.

·         Poll Everywhere

·         Socrative

Collaborative Brainstorming

Collaborative brainstorming builds collaboration skills, creativity, problem solving and critical thinking skills.

·         Pinterest

·         iMindMap

·         documents, presentations and spreadsheets via Google Drive

·         sticky notes via Edistorm or Primary Wall

Concept Maps

Concept maps allow students to visually organize their thoughts and ideas. Concept maps allow for collaborative learning, develop critical thinking skills and promote information and technology literacy.

·         babbl.us

·         Cacoo

·         Popplet

Presentations

Web 2.0 tools update how students create and present presentations for class projects. Online presentation tools promote innovation and creativity. Additionally, the wide array of presentation software and online tools allow for students a multitude of choices in presentations, allowing for additional differentiation, as well as, students becoming more connected and engaged with their learning.

·         Wikis

·         Blogs

·         Create Your Own Museum

·         Glogster ($$)

·         Prezi

·         Animoto

References

Partnership for 21st Century Skills. (2009). Curriculum and Instruction: A 21st Century Skills Implementation Guide. Partnership for 21st Century Skills.

PEW Research Center. (2015, April 9). Teens, Social Media & Technology Overview 2015. Retrieved from PEW Research Center: http://www.pewinternet.org/2015/04/09/teens-social-media-technology-2015/