About this Website
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BACKGROUND:
The background for this website is in part, a requirement of EDES 544- Intro to Emerging Technologies (Web 2.0), at the University of Alberta. EDES 544 is a course designed to teach graduate students about Web 2.0 technologies and how they can be utilized in a library or classroom setting. These students are encouraged to research, discuss and share their thoughts on Web 2.0 and its uses and limitations. Collaborative websites are then created that can be used to teach the observer about current programs and their uses. Each participant created 3 modules based in Web 2.0. Since Web 2.0 tools are constantly being created, becoming outdated, being updated, here is a cartoon by 'poesygalore' on Toondoo that suggests that these tools will become irrelevant in time. However, Helene Blowers (who created the Learning 2.0: 23 Things model) says it best, "Set aside time each week (or better yet, each day). You help make learning and self-discovery a life-long habit."
DESCRIPTION OF THE LEARNING 2.0: 23 THINGS MODEL:
This website is based on the original 'Learning 2.0: 23 Things.' Other models have been created to assist librarians (and other interested parties) in learning Web 2.0 tools without feeling alone or overwhelmed. Some were created as weekly/biweekly blog entries, others were self-guided lists; the original Learning 2.0 model had a bit of a scavenger hunt-feel to it. It ran for a set amount of days, but there were prizes for people who completed it early. We choose to model our project after these examples but because we knew we were covering 12 tools (four group members, with three tools each) we thought we’d run with the theme of ‘12.' So, we have 12 tools and we each listed 12 ways to use the tool.
You can find some examples of the original Learning 2.0/23 Things here:
WHO CAN USE THIS SITE?
Anyone who will find this information useful! Our intended audience is fellow teachers, librarians, teacher-librarians, library technicians, and anyone else who has an interest in Web 2.0 tools and their applications. The modules are meant to be a collection of resources to help people trying to become capable and confident users of these tools. Each module includes a ‘How To Use It” section, as well as a “12 Ways to Use It” list for each tool. There are video tutorials, reading links and, where applicable, a list of other, similar tools. We have worked to create lists of activities for each tool that include ideas for multiple grade groups and ages.
We are preparing this Learning 2.0 training for teachers, teacher-librarians and other people whose jobs put them at the front-lines for teaching the public about the newest, trendiest and most useful Web 2.0 tools. We understand that it can be difficult to stay on top of our ever changing tech world and that as professionals in these particular roles we have the added responsibility of not only functioning in Web 2.0 but also in teaching others how best to use these tools, while also modelling responsible practices.
The background for this website is in part, a requirement of EDES 544- Intro to Emerging Technologies (Web 2.0), at the University of Alberta. EDES 544 is a course designed to teach graduate students about Web 2.0 technologies and how they can be utilized in a library or classroom setting. These students are encouraged to research, discuss and share their thoughts on Web 2.0 and its uses and limitations. Collaborative websites are then created that can be used to teach the observer about current programs and their uses. Each participant created 3 modules based in Web 2.0. Since Web 2.0 tools are constantly being created, becoming outdated, being updated, here is a cartoon by 'poesygalore' on Toondoo that suggests that these tools will become irrelevant in time. However, Helene Blowers (who created the Learning 2.0: 23 Things model) says it best, "Set aside time each week (or better yet, each day). You help make learning and self-discovery a life-long habit."
DESCRIPTION OF THE LEARNING 2.0: 23 THINGS MODEL:
This website is based on the original 'Learning 2.0: 23 Things.' Other models have been created to assist librarians (and other interested parties) in learning Web 2.0 tools without feeling alone or overwhelmed. Some were created as weekly/biweekly blog entries, others were self-guided lists; the original Learning 2.0 model had a bit of a scavenger hunt-feel to it. It ran for a set amount of days, but there were prizes for people who completed it early. We choose to model our project after these examples but because we knew we were covering 12 tools (four group members, with three tools each) we thought we’d run with the theme of ‘12.' So, we have 12 tools and we each listed 12 ways to use the tool.
You can find some examples of the original Learning 2.0/23 Things here:
- 23 Mobile Things: This site is exactly what it's title suggests. It allows viewer to explore and use mobile technologies that may be of use in a library or classroom.
- 23 Things for Research: An online learning program for researchers, students, and teachers from the University of Oxford.
- 21 Things for Students: Was created by three Intermediate School Districts in Michigan, and is an educational and online resource to help students improve their technology proficiency as they prepare for success in the 21st century. There is also a list of teacher resources.
- 23 Things for Professional Development: is a self-directed course aimed at introducing you to a range of tools that could help your personal and professional development as a librarian, information professional or something else.
- The original creator of the Learning 2.0: 23 Things model was Helene Blowers, her website is found here.
WHO CAN USE THIS SITE?
Anyone who will find this information useful! Our intended audience is fellow teachers, librarians, teacher-librarians, library technicians, and anyone else who has an interest in Web 2.0 tools and their applications. The modules are meant to be a collection of resources to help people trying to become capable and confident users of these tools. Each module includes a ‘How To Use It” section, as well as a “12 Ways to Use It” list for each tool. There are video tutorials, reading links and, where applicable, a list of other, similar tools. We have worked to create lists of activities for each tool that include ideas for multiple grade groups and ages.
We are preparing this Learning 2.0 training for teachers, teacher-librarians and other people whose jobs put them at the front-lines for teaching the public about the newest, trendiest and most useful Web 2.0 tools. We understand that it can be difficult to stay on top of our ever changing tech world and that as professionals in these particular roles we have the added responsibility of not only functioning in Web 2.0 but also in teaching others how best to use these tools, while also modelling responsible practices.
WHAT STEPS SHOULD YOU TAKE NEXT?
After exploring this site, you can follow these 12 suggestions to gain a well-rounded experience:
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CONCLUSION:
The world of web 2.0 tools is vast and can be overwhelming. If you are interested in learning new tools to use in the library or your classroom start small and become comfortable with using the tool before teaching others, “in order for us to prepare our students for what is without question a future filled with networked learning spaces, we must first experience those environments for ourselves” (Richardson, 2010). Once you are ready, jump in and start to experiment with integrating the tool of your choice. Don’t be discouraged if you need to go back and tweak how you are teaching the skills. Each class of students you work with may be at different levels of understanding and you will have to differentiate your instruction accordingly. The 12 things website has only touched the surface of web 2.0 tools, but it has highlighted twelve very useful tools for both the library and the classroom. The variation of tools highlighted and the variety of ways to use each tool creates numerous possibilities for the user. Take what you have learned from these modules and make it your own, make the tool work for you and your students. |
REFERENCES:
Richardson, W. (2010). Blogs, wikis, podcasts, and other powerful web tools for classrooms. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin.
Richardson, W. (2010). Blogs, wikis, podcasts, and other powerful web tools for classrooms. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin.