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Exploring Web 2.0 Resource

February 18, 2009 at 10:27 pm | Posted in Uncategorized | 5 Comments
Tags: blogs, collaboration, communication, Internet, networking, Podcasts, research, SecondLife, Web2.0, wikis

Exploring Web 2.0: Second Generation Interactive Tools – Blogs, Podcasts, Wikis, Networking, Virtual Worlds, and More.

In recent months exciting changes began happening on the World Wide Web. More services and features were becoming available, but most Internet users were unaware of this new potential until the “Net Generation” began embracing thesee new Web-based tools. Within months, the business community, educators, authors, and casual internet users found these tools invaluable to communication, collaboration, and research.

This vital resource is available in both paperback and kindle edition from Amazon.com or directly from the publisher at Katy Crossing Press.

Why Should We Blog in Education

September 2, 2008 at 10:18 pm | Posted in blogs, Web 2.0, Web2.0 | 2 Comments
Tags: blogging, blogs, Web2.0

Why Should We Blog in Education?

Publishing and sharing content regularly through blogging keeps readers in touch with current ideas, news, and information. It allows educators to discuss relevant professional issues and then share that conversation with those who are interested.

The primary value of blogging isn’t just the networking with peers, it is also a tool that helps students express their knowledge and insights. Another important benefit of blogging is communicating and interacting with members of the community who they may traditionally have had a tougher time reaching such as parents, voters, and anyone in the community who is concerned about education.

School administrators have an ever-increasing motivation to encourage communication with the community due to the pressure of developing and implementing policy, as well as defining the direction and purpose of their school. In order to lead an educational institution effectively it is essential administrators know what their constituents think. If their leadership and ideas are to be productive, school administrators need educators to help disseminate information and evidence freely.

Blogging has numerous advantages for administrators, teachers, and students alike. Blog content can be timelier, easier to create, more interesting to the audience, and more available than traditional communication tools. Unlike unidirectional print or online newsletters or web pages, blogs are archived automatically. Blogs are searchable, and encourage feedback through their ability to handle comments.

Administrators are discovering that blogs are extraordinary vehicles for school publicity, public relations, and community building. Teachers are using them for collaboration, professional development, and student instruction. Students are finding blogs an excellent tool for exploring their thoughts and expanding their ideas. Whatever level of education one is at; there are numerous advantages to blogging and the tools to do so are readily available. It only takes a few minutes to develop a blog and the benefits are unending.

New Book to Be Released

January 15, 2008 at 4:59 pm | Posted in blogs, educational technology, Internet, K-12 education, Moodles, Podcasts, Professional Development, technology, Uncategorized, Web 2.0, Web2.0 | 2 Comments
Tags: blogs, K-12, Moodle, Podcasts, technology, Vodcasts, Web2.0, wikis

New Book to Be Released

The last few months, I have been working intently on Web 2.0 in Schools: Blogging, Podcasting, Vodcasting, Wikis, Moodles, and More, which Linworth Publishing, Inc. will be releasing in the fall of 2008. I am excited about the latest, innovative changes in technology that is exploding around us and feel passionate about the potential of these tools in the K-12 environment.This book is designed to explore the potential of incorporating these new, innovative technologies into the curriculum.

The concept of Web 2.0 has definitely taken hold in society and the application of Web 2.0 tools into the educational environment has great potential in not only helping students meet their current educational objectives and standards, but also in preparing them for the 21^st century job market. These innovative tools are helping educators move from the rote repetition and “presentation-delivered” information delivery system towards a project-based learning system in which students collaborate via interactive approaches that enable a deeper understanding and problem-solving ability of all subject matter both within and outside the school environment.

While many educators feel limited as to the availability of technology resources, most of the Web 2.0 tools are free of charge or have a minimal subscription fee. The availability of new resources opens an entirely new arena for teachers to consider. Web 2.0 in Schools: Blogging, Podcasting, Vodcasting, Wikis, Moodles, and More will help educators locate these latest tools and apply them to the curriculum. The book also covers the legal and safety issues of using Web 2.0 tools with minor.