For the past several weeks I've tried to be a sponge absorbing all there is to know about Web 2.0 tools. Now that I'm thoroughly soaked, it is time to wring me out. I have all of these ideas floating inside my head, now it is time for me to see which ones are supported by my school's infrastructure and policies and which I need to wait on. I say "wait on" because the knowledge I have gained from this course will help me advocate for the use of Web 2.0 tools in my school that may be currently blocked, I just need to start with our tech director and see what doors can be opened for the teachers and the students.
As tools such as wikis, blogs, video and teleconferencing become available to students, they will become connected to the world. I believe that the educators role will then shift from protecting students from the outside world to helping them become digital citizens. For educators to encourage students to connect to the outside world, we need to ask questions and create projects that will require students to look outside of the classroom walls for answers. Project based learning will become incredibly important in our new networked schools.
I am a dreamer. I like the idea of breaking down borders and world peace and I believe that this networking can help us get closer to one another. What I have learned is to dream big and start taking small steps in the direction of your dream. It may seem daunting and it may take time, but that is no reason to stop working towards it.
You don't have to see the whole staircase to take the first step. ~Martin Luther King
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Cheri - I love that quote! I am going to put it up on my board at school...Keep trying. If one thing does not work, try something else. Show how it is of educational value and how it improves learning in some way, and that should be the key to allowing it in your school.
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