Brief Virtual Introduction:
BOOK EXPO: Using Web 2.0 Tools in the K-12 Classroom
What was it about?
Using Web 2.0 Tools in the K-12 Classroom is about the various Web 2.0 tools that teachers can use in their classroom. Beverley Crane goes into great detail about the purpose of each tool and how to use each tool in the classroom. She provides real-life examples of how the tool can be used in a classroom setting.
Beverley breaks the book into eight sections.
The eight sections are as followed:
A New Information Revolution: shares the basics of Web 2.0 and why it is so important to use in the 21st Century. It also highlights the benefits of Web 2.0 tools and how any “non-tech” educator can use the tools to create a various number of engaging and interactive activities for students.
Blogging in the Language Arts: defines a blog and shares how blogs play a vital part in the Language Arts classroom and the advantage of using a blog in Language Arts. This chapter lists the three various blogs that a teacher can use as a resource for information.
Experiencing History through Podcasts: explains the basics of podcasting and the benefits of using podcasts as a way to share information. This chapter shares the various tools a teacher can use to create a podcast; in addition, it provides step by step instructions on how to create a podcast.
Creating Literature Wikis in the Classroom: defines a wiki and how to use it as a tool for collaboration. This chapter shares information on how to select a wiki and shares real-life classroom examples of wikis.
Digital Storytelling/Cross-Curricular Connections: explains what storytelling is and how to use it in cross-curricular subject areas like Science. This chapter also provides step by step instructions on how to create a digital story.
Google in the Classroom-More than just Research: introduces the various Google Tools that are designed for use in the classroom. This chapter also provides examples of how to use each in the classroom.
Enhancing English Language with Web 2.0 Tools: shares information about how Web 2.0 tools such as VoiceThread can help strengthen the English skills of our ELL and LEP students.
Social Bookmarking and Putting it All Together: defines what is social bookmarking and the use of social bookmarking. This chapter also list the various social bookmarking sites and how to use it as a source to collect and organize information; furthermore, as a site to collaborate and share information.
What did you think?
In my opinion, I think the book is fairly resourceful because she gives clear examples of how to use each tool; in addition, she provides the URLs for each Web 2.0 tool. For example, in chapter 7, she provides the URL for VoiceThread and she provides an example of how VoiceThread is being used in a classroom; in addition, she provides this information by providing the URL of each example, so the reader can view the real-life example. I like how Beverly provides a section in each chapter title “Teacher Exercises: Now You Try It…” This gives the reader an opportunity to test each Web 2.0 tool and apply what he or she has learned in his or her classroom. I do have a few issues; some of the sites are not current since the book was published in 2009. For example, Pbwiki.com is now Pbworks.com; del.icio.us.com is now delicious.com; furthermore, the link to her companion site now connects you to her new web address: https://sites.google.com/site/bevsneweducationalwebsite/
Overall, this book is fairly resourceful and provides a solid foundation on how to use Web 2.0 tools in the classroom. This book is a great source for any beginner who needs a starting point on how to infuse basic Web 2.0 tools into their class curriculum.
What was the link to society, culture and technology?
As I reflect over this book, I realize the importance of using Web 2.0 tools in a society and culture that is so tech driven. It is important for our students to have strong technological skills to be successful in today’s society. The 21st century is a society that is centered on technology. Our everyday lives are connected to others via the use of technology. This is why it is so important for educators to stay up to date on the newest trends in instructional technology; in addition, resources such Using Web 2.0 Tools in the K-12 Classroom provides a way for educators to learn about the newest Web 2.0 tools and how to integrate this technology into the classroom.
