Web 2.0 in class

Initially when I heard about Web 2.0, I had no idea what exactly that meant. Once I found out about 23 Things and the interest in the class, I was excited to learn all the 23 Things. I wanted to know more about RSS feeds and blogging but didn’t get to researching it on my own so now I am learning and having fun doing it. I know technology will continue to change teaching as I know it because where I began (3 years ago) we only had a computer with e-mail and now we have Promethean boards coming and possibly Elmos! I am sure there will be new and different things in the next 25+ years I will be teaching.

Out of the many Web 2.0 tools that are out there to utilize, I would love to begin a class blog. This blog would allow students to use their computer skills to type, format, and add a post to it. They would see the “fruits of their labor” and be excited to share their learning with others (family and/or friends). It is very important for students (and myself) to become more familiar with new technology, which is why I am taking this class. I am preparing myself and trying to prepare my students for the future where there will be jobs that mainly require computer skills.

23 Things here I come!!

My Lifelong Learning Habits

I read the following article/slideshow a few days ago called 7 1/2 Habits of Effective Lifelong Learners. Of the 7 1/2 Habits, the following are the ones I found to be challenging, the easiest, and the most important. The most challenging habit for me will be viewing problems as challenges because to me it is easier when you are outside the problem to see it in a positive light. The easiest habits will be learning while having an end (goal) in mind, creating your own learning toolbox, and using technology to my advantage. The most important habits of all (for me) are to accept responsibiltiy for my own learning (not playing the blame or blame shifting game) and having confidence in myself as a competent, effective learner. In my opinion the last habit I listed is crucial for keeping all the other habits in check.