Module 10

I can see how all the Web 2.0 tools embrace and use technology to develop skilled, confident, resourceful, collaborative and reflective learners.

It is perhaps more of a challenge to develop skilled and confident teachers trying not only to stay abreast of the overwhelming tools available but to then introduce it successfully into the classroom without technical hitches, resource problems and in an educationally constructive way. Having said this, the students do love the use of technology and the world that Web2.0 tools open up. The use of bubble.us, glogster, wikis, you tube etc. has been fun and motivating for the children.

I hope I remain motivated and confident enough to continue introducing and using these tools after this course is finished. Having the modules and links to look back on and revisit will be a great help.

Module 9

Scootle:
I have used scootle a few times and found some useful resources however, I found that the process for searching and finding information very time consuming compared to other avenues and resources. I would use it if I was desperate but I find other sources such as 'get smart', 'topic box', 'sparkle box' and even the property searches in 'my classes' quicker and easier to use and with good sites.

Networking sites:
I find that I want to know about these sites so that I understand how they work and what they are about, however, I would never use one or encourage children to use one. Firstly, they seem incredibly time consuming and secondly, they seem like they could be quite addictive which then adds to the time issue. I can see how they can be a learning tool for older children in terms of immersing them in a particular learning environment but not for Primary.

Twitter:
No time for this. I wouldn't want do it or read it. However, I did find it interesting during the Gillard takeover where newsreaders were refering to it for an instant snapshot of people's reactions. At times like these I guess it is interesting, informative and unifying.

Module 8

Using an RSS feed would be beyond my needs at the moment. I do not have the need or the time to read through updates on my favourite websites or blogs. If I have the luxury of a spare moment to browse, I will go to the sites myself.

I do however like knowing about it and knowing what tools are out there and what is possible. Each week I am amazed at what else can be done on the web. I am sure that people keep creating new ideas each week. Actually, this would be good a good topic to be updated on automatically. Does anyone know a good blog site which discusses the lates Web 2 tools as they evolve?

Module 7

I like delicious. I have been saving video clips onto my facebook page just so I can have instant access to them in the classroom when I need them. With delicous I can save what I need from wherever I am and access them easily. I also think it could be a handy way of sharing useful sites with other teachers.

It is interesting reading other people's blogs and knowing their ideas. However, I couldn't add any comments as my the comment box would not activate. I'm not sure why.

Module 6

Bubbl.us
I can see some uses for this in the classroom. One could be for children to sort a given list into categories and sub categories eg. Australian identity- brainstorm a wordbank and then get children to sort it into categories. Secondly, in literacy, you could use it as a scaffold for joint construction of a text type such as narrative.I can also see benefits in using it for staff presentation and development.

Glogster
I see glogster as another way for children to present their ideas instead of making a poster. It is great for incorporating multimedia presentation and have it all on the one page. eg. A poster about bees with video, sound, information, pictures etc.
It would also be a creative way to represent ideas such as Pentecost, Easter etc.

Module 5

I love using U-tube and teacher tube clips for teaching. I have used them in all KLA's and find that it really engages the children and can illustrate ideas and communicate information much more effectively that just teacher talk. I have found clips on charity organisations , Mother Theresa, poverty and saints for RE. I have found great adds for analysing media inEnglish etc. There is so much available. The only limiting element is the time that it can take to search and find the best resource.

Personally, I also enjoy searching for podcasts from the ABC and radio on interesting programs and reports.

There is so much available that it really replaces the use of DVD's and is much more current.

Module 4

Flickr

This is great! I have been searching for appropriate copyright free pictures for children to use in their Powerpoint, Moviemaker and Photostory presentations. And here it is. There seem to be loads of images that can be found in the advanced search for pictures with creative commons. I will definitely use this to show the class where to find images and you don't even need to have an account.

This is one of my daughter's drawing she did when she was five.

Module 3

Google Docs
Great idea for collaborative group work and for saving work on the WWW that you can access and modify from different locations.

Draw back is in its use in primary schools. Children need to set up email accounts... parental permission etc. Perhaps it would work better/easier in secondary school.

Module 2

I' m sitting here in a fruit fly infested staffroom - due to our compost bin, and analysing what bloggs are and how I can use them in the classroom. There are three of us from the same school who have created a Web2.0 learning group - which is great for support and brainstorming. We sit together each week at the same time and work through the modules.

So far, the general idea I am getting is that a blogg is primarily a broadcasting tool/ journal about anything you like. I am trying to brainstorm ways that this can be used in the classroom. So far I have come up with these ideas:

• class journal
• class newsletter
• class learning journal on a particular subject. eg: Antarctica.
• Publishing children's work.
• bloggs as a learning/reading tool where children compare and contrast different blogs.
• communication tool.
• collaborative learning
• blogs as a text type with a structure.

Have I missed any other obvious possibilities??

I am curious now about wikis and understanding the difference between them and blogs.

Module 1

Great videos. Easy way to learn about all this stuff.

Have since been using links to clips and videos from You Tube and Teacher Tube in the classroom. Found great links to 'If the world were a village' and charity agencies for Year5 RE. The childern loved it. I have been setting up my day book on 'Smart Notebook' and creating links to pages, videos and sites - so my day and lessons are all ready to go.



Have printed out the 25 tools and look forward to utilising them in the classroom though the list does look daunting. At least now I understand a bit more about what they all are. The list defines and categorises the Web2.0 tools and gives a miriad of new sites, gadgets ideas about what can be done with technology.


I love my iGoogle account. At first I thought it was a nuisance to have another account but I like all the gadgets and find it handy that you can personilise it to what you like and need.



I have used it to check the weather so far but want to check out more gadgets and have a play.