WEEK 1: APPLICATIONS & TECH NEEDS
This week’s class was very informative! We received an introduction on a variety of Web applications and resources that we can use in the classroom. It was nice to hear about free and easily accessible instructional tools because many software programs are extremely expensive or can only be utilized/are compatible on one type of computer (Mac versus PC).
One of the applications that we played with was called bubbl.us. It is a tool that can be used by teachers and students for creating concept maps, flow charts and brainstorming activities. I have used Gliffy and Inspiration before, and thought that this tool was much easier to use, specifically for students themselves. You can start creating your product right away without having to deal with registering all your students or creating logins. There is a ‘help’ box to the right of the screen that can walk students throughout the creation process.
One of the questions that I and some of my other classmates had was: What really does Web 2.0 mean? We have been hearing the term used more frequently and at times I was not completely ‘clear’ about what it means. The following short video clip helps to provide an explanation for this terminology:
VIDEO CLIP: ‘What is Web 2.0? All You Need to Know’
Another interesting video clip I found was what the future holds for the Web beyond 2.o, which may be called Web 3.0 or something else. It amazes me how fast technology evolves and changes. Yikes! I am afraid that I may not be able to keep up. One of the topics discussed was about how the Web will eventually be three-dimensional, fully immersive, and will be an augmentation of reality.
VIDEO CLIP: ‘Future Talks: Beyond Web 2.0′
Sometimes I wonder if we will even need teachers in the next twenty years or so with the way that technology, the Internet, and computers are leading. What do you think?
I agree with you, liking the trend of not having to use a certain platform and FREE is so nice for meager budget. The interactivity I have seen with students uses have also been gratifying. Glad you liked Bubbl.us. I am sorry to start mid stream. I mis-assumed that Web 2.0 had been covered in your program already, sorry. Good for you finding the info you needed to learn about it. I also am fascinated by what I have read about WEb 3. It seems we will have agents to go out and get quality resources or goods that we need. I do think there will be teachers. We may have a more sideline modeling or coaching type of role but we’ll be around, in my opinion. Alison