Here we are at the end of the book. Let's just run through all of the tools that the books has introduced, as well as the possible use of each in the classroom. Firstly, Richardson introduces us to all of the possibilities of the new Read/Write Web, as well as the changing Pedagogies and Practices. This was especially helpful, because it discussed how to incorporate the constantly changing technologies into the classroom. There is so much out there to be used- we just need to know what's out there and how best to use it.
He then introduces us to Weblogs, which was a new thought for me. How can we best incorporate blogs into the classroom? I must admit that I've enjoyed blogging again! Of course, one of my favorites chapters was about Wikis- mostly because I use them on a daily basis. We learned about RSS feeds, which was a new-ish concept for me. He discusses the Social Web, aka Twitter and social bookmarking sites (Delicious and Diigo)- I'm still trying to wrap my brain about how to best use these in the classroom.
His chapter about Flickr was definitely one of my favorites. I'm still trying to think about how best to use this in my English classes... but I think it has real potential! His chapter about Podcasting, Video and Screencasting, and Live Streaming has me planning my lesson re-design assignment and my brain is swimming with the possibilities here. Of course, the Social Networks chapter had me puzzled- but I intend to check out Ning. It seems like it could be very useful.
I also enjoyed his discussion of the Big Shifts in education and educational technology. The Shift that spoke most to me was the one about how teaching is no longer lecture- it's conversation. That is so very true. The students need to start taking part in their own education. I think that using technology in the classroom is a brilliant way to get them doing that.
I agree that the Shift in technology reminds us, as teachers, to interact and engage with out students as active learners. Conversation IS what I teach in my Interpersonal Dyanmics class; how to engage and learn as a group through dialogue. I think we have to use technology this way because it is the way our students' brains are developing as learners.
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