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.
