Web 2.0 Tools

WHAT?: This week we weren't able to hold class, but our blog was suppose to be posted about Web 2.0 tools in general. I really wasn't sure what this was, and so I had to do a little bit of research on my own. When I researched it, I knew exactly what it was involved with.

SO WHAT?: Basically Web 2.0 has to do with a lot of social networking sites. Like blogger, myspace, facebook, twitter, Youtube, etc. I think that these things are very important to learn as a teacher because they make it so easy for students to be able to interact with you or even classmates outside of the classroom. Also, this could come in very handy for teachers to stay in touch with their collegues outside of the work area. I cannot tell you how much I use these social networks outside of class! HAHA, I am like addicted to facebook. Just for the fact that I am able to keep in touch with my friends and family when I have not seen them in forever. Also, I had never had a teacher that I could interact with through these sites until Doc Waters class, I cannot even tell you how convienent this is! I love it!

I personally believe that every teacher should be like this, and make these social networking places that their students can get ahold of them outside of the classroom. I have not used all of these networks but I have used blogger, facebook, and myspace. I really need to become more familiar with the other ones that way I am up to date with all the new "technology" and ways of communication!

NOW WHAT?: After having this technology class I really seen how important it is to become available outside of the classroom for your students and parents of the students. I think that these Web 2.0 tools are a great way to do this. I know that I will keep a blog, website, and even possibly have a facebook group for my students. That way if there is every any questions outside of class I can be available to help them.

I think with these tools it will make me a more available collegue. I think that all these are really handy to keep your collegues and students up to date on what is going on in class or even projects that you are working on together. I have never learned so much about these tools until this class. I had never used a blog or anything like that. I even am going to start a personal blog because I think that it is a fantastic way to keep in touch, updated, and much more with your peers, friends, family, students, co-workers, etc. I think that these tools are the most convienent thing out there for communication! I know that I will use them so much!