Saturday, January 9, 2010

Conquering Web 2.0

A series of videos focusing on Web 2.0 has been released as part of Discovery's CDWG’s Conquering Technophobia mini-site, which has the videos as well as a slew of resources for teachers who are looking to learn more about new technologies.

They recently updated the site to include an embed code, so now you can share these videos with your colleagues that may be beginning their Web 2.0 journeys or are just looking for more information.

I've embedded the intro video below and you can find the rest of them here. Enjoy!


6 comments:

  1. I am a parent of a high school student at DCHS. I applaud what the Owensboro City Schools are getting ready to do with regards to technology integration. My son has been basically disengaged in school since middle school. He has done fine academically, but he sees no real need for school rather than play the game. Bravo for taking on the challenging task of engaging students!

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  2. Our school district has been integrating web 2.0 tools in instruction for a few years now. Student engagement has increased tremendously. Change is a scary thing in education as the folks holding us accountable with such outdated tools (CTBS type tests, etc.) set the bar so low that creative thinking type activities, as well as problem solving activities often times become pushed aside in order to play the game of accountability. Doing what's best for kids often does not occur in the classroom as well as a school system. Teachers, administrators, superintendents, board members, as well as parents are fearful to take risks. It's much easier to stick with the status quo. In the meantime students are disengaged, creating discipline problems, lack of real world preparedness, etc. Elementary Schools focus should be on teaching students to master reading and basic math, all while using technology to become more efficient and effective. Middle and High Schools should use technology to engage students as well as become more efficient and effective. Happy to hear from Jimmy the Owensboro Public Schools are taking a risk by thinking outside the box and preparing teachers, administrators, and especially students with what is actually happening in the world. Good Luck!

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  3. We have seen tremendous success with web 2.0 sites being integrated in our schools as well as using blogs, wikis, google sites and apps, and in particular chat to engage our students. Once teachers begin to use the tools they take off. The key to success is providing support and training, lots of training!

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  4. I'm so excited our district is seeing the importance of technology in our schools. I'm the first to admit that we need lots of support as it is scary. Thanks to our board in supporting this!

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  5. Like Brian mentioned in his comment, we have seen tremendous use by our teachers. We have seen the high school teachers take off with using chat as they discuss topics in class discussion. Lot's of kids engaging in the discussion now, some verbally and most, if not all, via chat. It's been a huge asset to getting our students involved more in the learning process. It has probably been more difficult getting some of our Principals bought in to this shift:)

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  6. I am a teacher at OHS and very excited about our technology initiative, but also nervous because there is SO much to learn!

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