Journal 1: "Do Web 2.0 Right" (NETS I,III, VI)

Summary: Thank goodness for Daniel Light and Deborah Polin, educators who have already explored the Web 2.0 road and drew a straight path to success.  In the article "Do Web 2.0 Right," Light begins this road with three basic elements used to create successful web based learning environment.  He states that educators must: institute daily practice, carefully consider the audience, and teach and enforce appropriate behavior.  It has been found that the most successful web based curriculums use tools to create continuous, sustained, and meaningful conversations and communities between each students and teacher.  He concludes the on-line based activities and supported lessons will indeed be positive in the students' learning career, but reminds us that it is just as imperative to engage in the student's work, and not have it "end in themselves."

How can you make web 2.0 activities a daily activity within your classroom?

 As a future educator I can use web 2.0 based activities within my classroom by using them to support my curriculums.  They can be used as a communicative space between the teacher and students, or students and students, through the compilation of private journals, generate and support discussions, and a place to share ideas.  In addition to communicative support, it can serve as a creative tool.  Stories, pictures, and research can also be added to web based activities.

What is your position about web 2.0 based activities replacing face to face debates and/ or feedback?

  I am concerned about the replacement of face-to-face debates and discussions with the growing use of blogs.  Light shares students' testimonies where they feel "that the blog(s) allows them to participate even if they are too shy to speak in class" and by “making students go public de-motivated those who were sensitive to peer pressure."  I see and appreciate the fact that blogs and online debates allow for all student voices to be heard, but I worry that our educators are not emphasizing the importance of and the tools to promote self confidence and public speaking.  Will our future generations hide behind a computer screen when faced with controversial topics?  Therefore, we must find a balance between online Web 2.0 based curriculum and face-to-face curriculum in order to create well rounded, critical thinkers.