Web 2.0 became an important part of the World Wide Web because of its two-way communication abilities. In fact, it is any World Wide Web technology or website that allows interactive content. One example is a blog, which permits the writer to post commentary and visitors to leave responses. Another similar example is a wiki since it allows the continual updating and revision of posted content. Interactive. This is becoming popular in schools for several reasons. First, is its ability to combine technology with collaboration. Next, it is using technology with which many students are already familiar through their own explorations of the web and popular sites such as MySpace, Wikipedia and Flikr. Also, it provides an opportunity to communicate with professionals, subject experts and other students who have Internet access
One of the tools we can use in language classroom are blogs since they allow students to receive suggestions, advice and corrections from their peers. Wiki is another software that can enable students to add their section of research to a document being created by a group or class, while also permitting live edit documents. Both blogs and wikis gets students more involved in the writing process. It helps them to strengthen their writing, editing and communication skills.Videoconferencing is another way to bring the world into the classroom. Guest speakers from the target language can participate from anywhere there is an Internet connection. Students can ask him/her cultural as well as language questions and they can get authentic answers. In addition, Students from classes in different countries can ask each other questions about their society and culture.
As I teach in four school districts and the students do not know each other, I am thinking that blogs could be a good way to create a community of learners and for me to check in with them more frequently. They sometimes ask me who the students are in the other schools that I serve and it might be interesting for them to have a key pal. I believe that I would need to understand each school district's technology philosophy so that I could be assured that the English language learners would have access to the technology even when I am not present.
ReplyDeleteYes, this would be an excellent way to use technology -- to connect students from one district to another, all of whom are working at the same or similar level.
ReplyDelete