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.

My Videocast

Before Thanksgiving break, I created numerous clips on my digital camera that revolved my classroom. Through Audacity, I created various audio files to go with the first clip. Afterwards, I tried to put them together in Windows MovieMaker. However, I then realized that my movie files were in QuickTime. From there, I downloaded a free movie converted, yet that still did not work. Therefore, I am just posting my first clip of my classroom tour. Also, since I cannot go through and edit my video through MovieMaker, I am just linking my audio to this post; please click on the above title to listen.



Also, here is the link for my video on TeacherTube!
My Classroom on TeacherTube

Audio Files in the Curriculum

While looking at different articles, I stumbled upon the following site, which may have been more useful fo rlast week's assignment: http://www.newhorizons.org/strategies/technology/bratina.htm. The article is titled "Listen Up!: Using Audio Files in the Curriculum." This artcle discussed different reasons for using audio files and the benefits that go along with them. For this article, the authors focused on three reasons to utilize audio files: greeting messages, administrative tips, and explanations of content. I have heard of utilizing audio files for greetings; however, I never consider the use of them for an online class. A professor could utilize audio tools and programs, such as Audacity, to allow students to put a voice with screen names. The article focused on several useful reasons that connected to online classes, even down to keeping the students updated. After being in this program, I have a lot of experience with online classes, and I am thankful for that because it presents different opportunities to the students. However, I never took into consideration the resources that could enhance online classes.

Continuing with the article, it rejogged my memory in the fact that there are numerous types of learners. I am not an auditory or visual learner; I do not need the guides as much. However, I realized that audio files can be very useful for auditory learners. This feature could be for distance learning, or it could even be for the regular classroom and being more of an aide for the students. Therefore, audio files enhance the curriculum in numerous ways for the students.

Overall, the article opened my eyes to things that I take for advantage at times. Also, I enjoyed the article because creating and utilizing audio files can be integrating in my classroom.

CW Source -- Podcast

http://blogs.trb.com/network/cwsource/podcasts/

As mentioned earlier in the week, I chose to follow the CW Source podcast, which revolves around three television shows on the CW TV station. I did listen to other, educational podcasts; hwoever, this was interesting for me to follow, and I could see other purposes of podcasts. Out of all of the shows on the CW, the podcast focuses on Gossip Girl, One Tree Hill, and Supernatural. I thought this podcast was very fitting beause GG and OTH are two of my favorite shows.

The podcast is hosted by three girls. At the beginning of the week, I searched through some of their old podcasts because I was not caught up on the newest episodes of the shows. By today, I was able to listen to the most updated podcasts because I caught up with the shows during the wintry weather. At first, the podcast reminded me of The Hills: The Aftershow on MTV, which they either do on the TV station or through the website.

All in all, I enjoyed following the podcast for various reasons. It reminded me of a book talk because they would pose different questions and they analyzed one particular episode of one of the shows. Even though I'm in English teacher, I prefer to catch my favorite shows than read a book, so the podcast of the show was more my cup of tea. However, it made me think of how this could work with a book talk as well. The more I type, the more I think I could set something up like this in my classroom. Another attribute found within this podcast is that the girls voiced and supported their opinions, which allowed the listeners to see another viewpoint -- something I like to do in my classroom with my students all of the time. Another thing that drew me into this podcast was that I could listen to the girls, and it reminded me of how my friends and I would talk about some of the shows, voicing our opinions with each other. Sincie we no longer stay up-to-date, we cannot do that as much. Therefore, the podcast could be something to settle that void. Finally, besides giving all an evaluation and analysis of the show, the girls also discussed news and word on styles that connected to the show. To sum it up, I would continue to listen this podcast as it was a break from my hectic schedule.

Morning Announcement -- Podcast

For my podcast, I chose to create a morning announcement. I found that intriguing because I never thought about using a podcast for that reason. After completing this podcast, I feel that this could be a very useful purpose for a podcast. Also, that allows using technology even beyond the classroom. To retrieve my podcast, click on the title of this post.

Why to use podcasts in the classroom?

While completing our assignment for this week, I became intrigued with podcasts and their use in the classroom. While in this program at Waynesburg, one of my favorite tools to use was Audacity, which is an open source software used to record audio. I have done a little bit with Audacity, including making a photo story. While looking for other uses of Audacity and podcasts, I came across the following website: http://www.wtvi.com/TEKS/05_06_articles/classroom-audio-podcasting.html. This website was intriguing for the content included. It described podcasts, which was just another way to break it down. However, what I enjoyed most about it was the list of benefits of using podcasts in the classroom.

The lists of benefits consisted of ten reasons why to incorporate podcasts in the classroom. The first reason caught my eye and had me continue. The first benefit was that it is cheap. This is an attention-getter for me because I lack the funds and the resources in my school. Therefore, I sometimes become too ambitious and need to search for another, free resource. So, that reason is enough to keep looking for me. Another benefit that I keyed in on was the fact that podcasting can "invite a global audience." With all the endless possibilities we have nowadays, teachers need to incorporate more than just the little area where the kids feel comfortable. Therefore, I think having a global audience invites my opportunities to a class. Just like having a global audience, podcasting invites many chances to education. Podcasting can make lessons interesting as well as allow the students to be creative, which is valued in today's education.

Overall, this website was very resourceful in how and why I should include podcasting in my classroom. I plan on searching through the site to see if it addresses other Internet and technology-related tools. I also look forward to utilizing podcasting, especially in an English class. It will be utilized for many reasons, including as a tool to practice proper speaking skills.

Podcast ... Post 1

After class, I looked up different podcasts and finally settled on one: http://blogs.trb.com/network/cwsource/podcasts/.

At first, I was trying to locate an eduational podcasts. However, I decided to follow and subscribe this podcast. It is easy for me utilize technology, such as podcasts, for educational purposes. However, I never take the time to assist my life and interests with technology. Therefore, I am going to follow a podcast regarding CW, the TV station. Throughout the week, I am excited to look at the different categories found on iTunes regarding the podcasts available.