Web 2.0 Tools

      Web 2.0 tools are a major tool in any classroom. They can be used for planning, design, collaboration, and for presentation. One tool that I use often in my professional life is Livebinders.
This is an on-line tool that allows you to gather information, videos, documents, web sites, and any other form of media into one location and have it accessible from anywhere that there is internet access. It is like having an interactive notebook of information. It is a great way to build projects or to collect data on a topic. I often store information in one when I am researching topics so that I have quick access to the live site. This is one of the best planning tools that I have found. You can also make it accessible publicly, privately, or by invitation.

Web conferences and discussion groups are also web 2.0 tools. They provide a chance to give out information as well as a way to discuss ideas, clarify items, and answer questions. Throughout our program, we have had access to, and participated in discussion board assignments and web conferences for each course. These tools have helped to clarify needed infprmation and provided insight into our readings and new material. The live format of the web conferences makes it easy to clarify in a short amount of time. The discussion board does not have to be scheduled, but is easily accessible at any time. Both tools are a great way to communicate, collaborate, and disseminate information.

Digital Storytelling Week 1 EDLD 5363

Creating a digital story through photostory was an activity that I will apply in my classroom. It was a chance for me to explore my own thoughts. I did not have to depend on photos. I was able to pull graphics from a variety of sources. I could have included phots, videos, clip art, drawings, music and many other types of media. This was an activity that can have many applications throughout the school year. I often use Animoto for this type of activity, but I used photostory for this assignment since it called for a new approach. I really enjoyed the assignment. The planning and the assignment provided a new tool for my classroom.

Public Service Announcements and Final Week Information

Our discussion board for week five provided some much needed clarification on grades and assignments. Several assignments were removed grom the grade book. Discussion boards for week 4 and 5 were automatically given 100s, and due to a technical error, our final exam reflection piece was removed. This helped to clear up questions that I had about the assignments. The remaining assignments were discussed in detail.

The blog posts were discussed, and what was expected, and where they were to be posted. This helped to clear up a difficulty for me because I was unsure of what was expected for this assignment.

The public service announcement was also discussed in detail. Collaboration and planning is the key to this assignment. Documentation of these elements, as well as the actual production piece need to be posted in several locations and documented. A creative Commons license needes to be added to our work.

Other important information was discussed. This included principal certification, internship and GRE requirements, and grants and funding for classes. This web-conference was a useful tool in understanding the class material and what is expected. I appreciated this web-conference much more than I did for week 2.

Video Web conferencing in EDLD 5363

I usually see web conferencing as a valuable tool to help gain information about the topics being discussed, as well as the expectations for the course from both the students and the professor. The web conferences provide insight into how to do many of the activities and also gives you a chance to socialize with the other students.

I have not been impressed with the web conferencing for this course. It has been very difficult getting into the conference, and connection issues have caused the conference that I was able to enter to be cut short. In the time that we did have, the professor answered several questions about podcasting and using audacity. She also discussed why it is important to work in collaborative groups for our projects.

I do feel that web conferencing is a valuable tool, and is an excellent resource, but if it is going to be a required element, then the scheduling needs to accomodate those who only have access at certain times, and it should be easier to enter into the conference when they can attend.

Creating a digital story through photostory was an activity that I will apply in my classroom. It was a chance for me to explore my own thoughts. I did not have to depend on photos. I was able to pull graphics from a variety of sources. I could have included phots, videos, clip art, drawings, music and many other types of media. This was an activity that can have many applications throughout the school year.

Week 2 assignment staff development agenda and reflections

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I would appreciate your thoughts and comments on the assignment above.

Revised new plan

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