Web 2.0 Tools Enhancing the Curriculum

The number of Web 2.0 tools available is unknown because it continues to grow each day. Some programs that I have used in the past are Web 2.0 tools, and I was not aware of it. Likewise, I was not aware of the opportunities that lied within Web 2.0. Through Web 2.0, we find tools that are not only helpful to our everyday lives, but we also find tools that can enhance education through numerous strategies. When thinking of 21st Century Teaching and Learning, I think of all the different types of learners and the uncountable ways to approach teaching them. Through all the different characteristics of 21st Century Teaching and Learning, one key element is collaboration. Partnered with collaboration is interaction. Fortunately, the Web 2.0 tools focus on that technique. Below, I have listed a few Web 2.0 tools that can really enhance education and concentrate on 21st Century Teaching and Learning.
http://www.zamzar.com/
EasyBib: EasyBib is a tool that allows students to practice and check their citations. As the world continues to grow, more sources and references and sources become available. Through this availability, students will have to create bibliographies to demonstrate and support anti-plagiarism. EasyBib is interactive, which allows it to support 21st Century Teaching and Learning because it is having the students assess their work and receive help when needed.

Skype: Skype is a tool that screams collaboration and communication. Therefore, utilizing Skype for conversations incorporates the Internet to enhance and strengthen the skills to become a stronger communicator. By opening up to tools such as Skype, teachers and students are supporting communication and exhibiting its importance.

Zamzar: While the 21st Century focuses on different styles of learners, it is important to address the fact that students learn in numerous ways, yet we cannot incorporate each style into our lessons everyday. However, if we try to adhere to new learners, particularly auditory and visual learners, we may not always have easy access to the Internet. Therefore, with good planning, teachers can utilize Zamzar to convert the files to whatever is needed to deliver a memorable lesson.

Jing: Jing is a Web 2.0 tool that is similar to the software, SnagIt. This tool allows teachers and students to be specific with the screenshots they are taking. Therefore, a teacher can utilize Jing to enhance his/her tutorial. This could affect the teaching so that all students have the necessary needs in front of them. Therefore, Jing can help the student work at his/her own pace and adhere to collaboration in different ways.

All in all, there are so many different types of Web 2.0 tools; it is just a matter of which ones support and enhance education. In reality, many of them can find ways to fit the curriculum. It is important to address the needs of today’s learners. Therefore, combining the forces of Web 2.0 and 21st Century Teaching and Learning will enhance curriculums all around the Internet.