I have always enjoyed using technology in my classroom. I have tried to be an innovator when it comes to technology in the classroom. One Web 2.0 tool I would like to learn more about is Flipgrid. I have started using Flipgrid in my classroom recently, and I feel like I am only scratching the surface on how I can utilize this wonderful tool. I first had my students work with flipgrid when I taught inherited traits and learned behaviors. I had them go home and interview a parent about what traits they inherited from them. Students and parents really enjoyed the experience. My next idea came to me when completing reading for this module, flipped classroom. This week I was going to be out of the classroom at an in-service. I decided to use flipgrid and complete a video/screencast of me teaching the opening math problem. Our district used the educational platform Canvas, and I posted my video in canvas where students would be able to view it. Students viewed the lesson while the substitute monitored students, and assisted with any questions. This was the first time we did this as a classroom and the students enjoyed the experience. Many students stated that they watched it a few times to gain a better understanding of the topic, which has led me to wanting to know more about how I can use this wonderful tool in my classroom some more.
Web 2.0 tools have changed my practice in the way I plan. When it comes to searching for lesson ideas, teachers pay teachers is a common site that I visit. I receive emails about certain people that I view sharing that they have updated their lessons or added something new. I am not a pinterest user, but my wife has shared with me that after pinning something, pinterest begins finding other information that they think you might like. This makes it easier for us to search for lesson ideas or other topics when the sites are giving you items to view. Other classroom management tools such as class dojo have made it easy for parents to see how their child is doing throughout the school day, and can message the teacher to ask any questions. Teachers can send messages to the whole group of parents, or select one parent to message privately. Students and teachers also have the ability to utilize an online portfolio section where student work can be stored. Students are able to bring their devices to school utilizing our BYOT policy, which allows them access to their portfolio, adding what they wish. Their parents also can add and view student portfolios.
Web 2.0 tools need to be a regular in teaching and learning. Students today go home and spend the majority of their time on some kind of technology device. In order to engage students, technology and Web 2.0 tools must be used. Not only do we need to use technology, but we need students to engage themselves in their learning. Any teacher can put a student on a computer and feel that they are making a difference, but in reality, that is not true. We need to make it so students are engaged in an activity, lesson, or project, not just drill and practice. Our current school is using a program where students take pre assessments in all subject areas. Once complete, it puts each student on a specific learning path, with videos that explain how to complete the tasks. Each student has their own path and data that is generated for the teachers. This is how Web 2.0 tools can help the diverse learners of our students. The teachers can used the data to create small group lessons to better assist students in the areas in which they happen to be weak in. When the student gets back to the task on the computer, the teachers look for growth. This Web 2.0 tool is beneficial to all involved, the students, teachers, and parents.
Duffy, P. (2008). Engaging the YouTube Google-eyed generation: Strategies for using Web 2.0 in teaching and learning. Electronic Journal of E-learning, 6(2), 119-130.