Looking Back, Looking Ahead

Did Web 2.0 turn into Web 3.0 and nobody told me? I feel like I'm in a technology marathon racing toward the finish line of my technology course. Of course there is no finish line … technology will just keep evolving. So why fight it?

Source: theguardian.com

When I first started this course just seven weeks ago, I couldn't even imagine what “integrating technology into the curriculum” could possibly mean. Suffice it to say, I am now enlightened to the fact that technology does indeed have a place in the classroom. First and foremost, however, the question must always be asked - what is the learning goal at hand and will this technology tool help. 

After learning about QR Codes, Glogster, Tagxedo, ThingLink, YouTube, Blabberize, BibMe, Curriculet, and Prezi, to name a few, I can see how today’s learner would embrace these tools. A field-test validated my opinion on this. Perhaps it's to be expected that digital tools, in general, appeal to the digital generation of learners. Some of these tools seem to be geared more toward helping the teacher organize and share content, but they also serve to engage the students. A short list is Popplet, Polleverywhere, Wikispaces, and Prezi.

Source:haydenwilcox.edublogs.org

I also found there is an opportunity to use technology when differentiating learning. This is especially important for students with learning disabilities and other special needs. For example, if a student struggles with handwriting and copying notes, it would make sense to provide the opportunity to do this on a laptop. If students are reluctant to write down assignments in their planner or notebook, the assignment can be posted via a QR code. The student scans it, and it will be on their phone. It really surprised me how easy creating a QR code is. Before this class I saw them as mysterious secret messages created by a large corporations, something akin to a UPC code.

I have a list of no less than 30 technologies we covered in the past seven weeks. Many of these technologies were the subject of my blog, or I used them to create this blog. Since I have a professional web site now (smile) I can point you in the direction of the Cool Tools tab if you want to check some of these out for yourself. 

There's a saying, "Take what you like, and leave the rest." How do you know what you like if you don't keep an open mind and consider the possibilities?

Tech-Tac-Toe ... Blabberize

I created this Blabber for students in a high school Special Ed class to learn five fun facts about Abe Lincoln. The end result was fun and the students loved it. 

Photo Source: en.wikipedia.org

Creating a Blabber is great for a group or team exercise where tasks would be assigned to match and enhance diverse ability levels. In addition, group learning allows for students to build social skills, sharing, tolerance, leadership, and more. Some of the steps needed to make a Blabber include deciding on a topic, researching the facts, searching Google Images, downloading the image, making the Blabber itself, and, finally, sharing the finished product. When I first saw Blabberize, I admit, I didn't think much of it. However, after going through the process of creating Abe Lincoln, I realized this has quite a bit of hidden potential. It can be used with endless topics throughout the year and is a fun way to get students interacting with technology ... and each other.

Blabberize is a free tool and can be found at www.blabberize.com. The most difficult part for me was making the mouth move. That's when I turned to this video below, another Web 2.0 tool! Even with the step by step instructions, I found the tool didn't save well and was very cumbersome. If I ever figure out how to master this, then I'll definitely use it again.

 
Source: YouTube Erinnielsen28 

Thank you Miss Nielsen, I couldn't have made this Blabber without you!