Post #5: Web 2.0 and Concept Maps

Web 2.0 in the Classroom

The ELA standards create the need for teachers to incorporate Web 2.0 technologies such as wikis, blog sites, social networks, and video sharing sites into their classrooms. I think that almost any form of Web 2.0 technology could be applicable in the classroom setting. The challenge for teachers with Web 2.0 tools is making sure that the technology they choose to use with their students is closely tied to their lesson plans and appropriate for the age of the students. While social networking can be a valuable tool to connect with students and parents, it would probably not be appropriate to encourage elementary school students to get Twitter accounts. 

I really like the idea of blogging sites such as Kidblog or Blogger in the classroom because it allows students to express themselves and be creative while discussing what they learned in school. As a prospective English teacher, I would like to incorporate a class blog into my teaching to encourage my students to practice their creative writing. However, all of my students would need access to a computer with internet access in order to create a class blog. Chapter 5 of the textbook described the different types of devices that can be used in the classroom. The input devices in this example would be the mouse and keyboard, the output device is the monitor, and the important peripherals would be the system unit and hard drive. This project would also require network technology such as wifi.

Web 2.0 Tools

The Web 2.0 tool that I found is a free web tool that lets kids create their own comic strips called Make Beliefs Comics. The website includes free lesson plans and printables. I like that students can type in any language, which is helpful for ESOL students. I chose a comic creator because I was looking for more ways that my students could express their creativity in the classroom.

Make Beliefs also has a mobile app (though the app is paid), so students could create comics on tablets or other mobile devices. I thought that the site was fun and easy to use, and I created a quick comic with it.

Concept Map

I like making concept maps and diagrams, looking at information visually (especially when it's history!) has always helped me learn. However, I really did not enjoy working with Webspiration. I think that this tool is not user friendly at all, and it runs really slowly on every computer I've tried it on. Since it was so frustrating to use for me, I do not think I would want my students to use it. I think this assignment taught me that there are many tools out there to make concept maps, and this one was not for me. That being said, I like what me and Kelty have made, and here's a sneak peak at our concept map: