“I don’t believe Web 2.0 is poised to produce a radical transformation of teaching and learning practices – I believe it already has. Teachers of all levels are using Web 2.0 for networking and collaborating with institutions and colleagues, and to obtain learning resources, lesson plans and materials. They are using Web 2.0 tools extensively in their classroom — blogs, wikis, photo sharing, and document sharing, to name a few. Students are using these same tools and Social Networking sites such as Facebook for informal learning. Web 2.0 is becoming more and more entrenched into the academic arena. I’ve seen it personally in my work (professional development for teachers at a museum), in my schooling at GMU, and with my two daughters, who were in high school and are now in college. I agree that the potential benefits of using online social software tools for online learning outweigh the challenges. But the challenges are great. The technology platforms are changing so rapidly that instructors and students alike are spending precious time familiarizing themselves with the newest Web 2.0 learning tools. Sifting through the huge amount of learning resources available is also very daunting. But still, the great benefits of having these tools and resources at our fingertips is of greater benefit, as long as we can harness them in a manner that makes them useful.”  –Debbie Baker
I really enjoyed reading Debbie’s entry on using web2.0 tools in the classroom. She stated that she believes that the revolution has already taken place. That teachers of all levels are already using the tools. I’d like to share my perspective on how web2.0 tools are used in the classroom at the middle school I support, and how this post inspired me to create a professional development course on web2.0 tools.
Three Tiers of usage
I am a Technology Integration Specialist in a middle school with approximately 1,100 students. I support teachers who want to teach their curriculum using technology. So far (1 month) in this role I’ve been able to identify three tiers of technology usage by teachers.
Tier 1 – Basic: Teachers who use the web based grade book and attendance system. They supplement their curriculum with a video or two – usually from YouTube. Teachers’ are familiar with Word, and can create basic documents.
Tier 2 – Inspired Basic: This tier of teachers can complete the basic level of implementation on their own. They are also inspired by other teachers to implement more technology, but often needs one-on-one coaching support, and prefers to co-teach the first class with me. Once they memorize the procedure for using the new tool, they continue to use and create with the software.
Tier 3 – Explorers: There are always a group of teachers who are one step ahead of technology.  They wish that there was a program out there to do a specific task. Once the program exists, they learn it quickly, and are on to wishing there was another feature it had. These teachers have a conceptual understanding of how the program works, and are willing to spend hours playing with it. They consider learning and using the software to be FUN. Their curriculum is often supported with a variety of web2.0 tools and computer based software.
Professional Development Plan for Inspired Basic Tier
I had a discussion with other Technology Integration Specialists about this middle tier of group. We have decided to offer an after school PD session on learning these new tools. We wanted to give extra support to these teachers who are already excited about using technology.  We even managed to fit it with division wide PD requirements.  The center of the course will be broadcasted from Edmodo.  If you’ve never used this tool before, it looks just like Facebook, but it is more secure and meant for the educational setting. We plan on introducing several web2.0 tools and various licensed software.
What do you think?
What web2.0 tools do you think should be introduced in this course? Â Please list what you believe are the top tools for middle school and an explanation of why you chose this tool.
THANKS!
Fall is special for two reasons – Hokie Football and time to make some crafts. This month, I’ve been working on bedding for the nursery, orange and maroon! Also, I”ve decided to try out decorating cookies with royal icing.
