Web 2.0 and the begining of Class

Last week I had the opportunity to make a brief presentation to a group of teachers from my school district about Web 2.0. I briefly explained how Web 2.0 was different and then showed them two versions of Bloom's taxonomy. The original image of Bloom's most teachers would be aware of, but the second image however was updated to address the 21st century. I found this image after reading the Free Technology for Teachers blog (A fantastic resource by the way... thank you Mr. Byrne). The new image for Bloom comes from Visual Blooms and it serves as a nice concrete visual to help others understand how Web 2.0 is a viable education resource.

After the presentation I had the chance to speak with two teachers who wanted to ask where a good place to start would be for those who have never stepped foot into the pool that is Web 2.0. When preparing for my presentation I had considered that not all of the audience members would have the same technology skills, but at that moment I was at a loss for words. In my presentation I had suggested the place place to start would be "wherever you are" meaning in my mind that teachers should simply pick one Web 2.0 application and learn it inside and out. As I spoke to these two teachers, however that response seem inadequate. It seemed inadequate because there are so many applications. I alone had compiled a list of what I considered the best 25 Web 2.0 applications, but that must have seemed like a mountain with no clear path to the top. After discussing a few of the resources on my list I think those two teachers left with some idea of where to start for them, but it made me reflect on my students who I will begin seeing on Monday.

My conversation with these two dedicated teachers reminded me that even 21st Century students need skill development. My students will still need the skills involved with the effective use of Web 2.0 applications. It is easy to assume that most students are savvy enough to use most applications, but that will most likely not be the case. Some students will still need that guidance and I need to be ever vigilant in ensuring that the use of Web 2.0 applications is valuable to my students education and their skill development.

SnagFilms Film Widget

Remix America

I came across the fantastic website Remix America by accident, but it was a happy accident. This website enables users to create their own small videos using historical film clips, contemporary film/TV clips, recent news broadcast clips, and pictures. You can also add your own soundtrack. (I am assuming that you could upload an Audacity file converted to mp3 to their site if you wanted to voice over a clip.) The interface is quite easy to use and I believe the ability to edit together clips from the past with modern clips will be very attractive to my students. This site will allow my students to create their own documentaries and also give voice to their opinions not only on historical topics, but contemporary topics as well. It also gives them a vehicle to compare and contrast the past with the present. A very cool website!!

I have posted a sample video I made at the bottom of this blog. I put this together in just a few minutes. Their tutorial video is very helpful if you get stuck.

Review of Edutopia

As many people in the Web 2.0 are probable aware, the George Lucas Educational Foundation publishes a magazine called Edutopia. For those of you who may not be familiar with this magazine I just wanted to give you a quick review.

Edutopia investigates and analyzes a number of different facets of education. While not specifically focusing on Web 2.0 applications, it does place a heavy amount of its content in that general realm and technology in general. I think the value and the strength of this magazine comes from the wide variety of articles that have been written by other teachers; not to mention the varied topics and articles that are in every issue. For example the most recent edition has articles about stimulus money and tips on how to get students to focus in class. Unfortunately the magazine is not free... It comes with your $35 membership. With that membership however, you get access to online content and member only webinars. I personally see the $35 membership fee as a good investment in the lives of my students. Let me know what you think or if you have even seen or heard of this magazine before.

Day 1

R-15: Mr. Ochs' Classroom

Home to American Government, US History, Senior Seminar, r-15 Studios and all things basketball.

Welcome to the blog... this will be updated as much as possible with class related items, the musings of Mr. Ochs and resources/books that I feel are interesting or noteworthy.

Enjoy.