Thing #9

Web 2.0 offers a variety of opportunities for teachers and students to learn about the world around them. The changes in teaching and learning at the elementary level as a result of Web 2.0 may not be as easily incorporated in daily assignments as those at the upper levels, but I do feel that Web 2.0 can have a positive impact at any grade level. Even at a young age, students can be exposed to the many resources on the web. Technology seems second nature to our youth, and that alone makes it a highly motivating teaching/learning tool. My students are always excited to go to the computer lab or work on the SmartBoard. As a first grade teacher, I want to use all the technology I can with my students, knowing that in a few short years, they will be experts on the web.  Web 2.0 is giving me so many new ways to  incorporate technology based lessons in all subject areas.  With the installation of a SmartBoard in my classroom a few years ago, I have begun to use technology on a daily basis. I have found amazing interactive resources on the web and enjoy seeing how first grade teachers around the country are using technology in their classrooms. This fall I will create a blog or web page to help keep parents informed.  I may use Flicker to post photos of special classroom/school events as well as a resource for when introducing new vocabulary or when building background in all subject areas. I have found many music and movement videos on You Tube that will be perfect for transitions and skill reinforcement. The above examples are just a few ways that Web 2.0 is going to change my teaching this fall.

Web 2.0 easily provides ways for teachers to collaborate with each other within a district or the entire country. I have always felt that if 20 students can benefit from my ideas, why shouldn't a whole grade level? With Web 2.0  the number of students who can benefit from one teacher's ideas/resources is endless. I just love that so many teachers take the time to share their resources on the web. I have thought about sharing some of the things that I have created on the web, but I wasn't sure how to do it. I now have a better idea of how to go about sharing my ideas.  When I am ready to share, I will use the Creative Commons site to let others know how I would like them to use my work.

After learning about copyrights and Creative Commons, I will be sure to pay more attention to the creators of the teaching resources I download, and will make a conscious effort to educate my students about the importance of citing the creators for all web based material.