Web 2.0 Teaching Tools

Motivate and Engage Students with Web 2.0 Teaching Tools

Hook even the most reluctant learners with Web 2.0 teaching tools. Boost your students' academic achievement with these Web 2.0 applications. Revitalize your lessons by integrating these instructional technology tools into your teaching plans.

Web 2.0 sites come and go. Many are not designed as instructional technology. I want to share with you Web 2.0 sites that can be used as teaching tools. These sites are ones that have worked for me, my students, and other teachers. I have discovered that Web 2.0 teaching tools can provide compelling teaching and learning opportunities.

What is Web 2.0

A simple definition of Web 2.0 is the “Read/Write Web.” Originally, the Internet was a place to locate information - mainly a "Read Only Web." As the Internet slowly changed, web sites were developed that let people "write" and share information. Today’s Web 2.0 sites, like Facebook and Wikipedia, enable people to communicate and collaborate.

Educational Challenges

Educators face many challenges today. They must adapt to a generation of students who have grown up using the Web.

Teachers must learn and teach information literacy that includes effectively using the Internet. These Web 2.0 applications can help students develop the skills they need to succeed in the 21st century world.

21st Century Skills

We live in a global, knowledge-based economy. Students must master vital 21st century skills to survive in the world beyond the classroom. They must be able to
• research using the Internet,
• assess information,
• work collaboratively,
• communicate effectively,
• think critically and creatively.

I have organized the Web 2.0 sites using some of these 21st century skills. Many of the Web 2.0 applications incorporate more than one skill. These tools can help us realize the different ways critical 21st century skills can be developed in the classroom.

Join me in exploring the Web 2.0 teaching tools and resources on this site. The ready-to-use teaching resources will help you get started. If you are hesitant, don’t be. I’ve taught for over 25 years and am not a technology expert. If I can do it, you can do it.

Here’s a little tip:
Think about a lesson or unit that you teach that bores you or your students. Look for a Web 2.0 teaching tool that you can use with that lesson. It could be just the thing to excite you and your students while making the learning more enjoyable (and meaningful) for everyone!

Developing Effective Communication Skills with Web 2.0 Tools
Effective communication skills are important in all walks of life. Explore these Web 2.0 tools to discover ways to develop vital 21st century skills with your students.

Building Strong Team Collaboration Skills with Web 2.0 Tools
Team collaboration is an important learning model in the development of 21st century learning skills. Web 2.0 tools can help create collaborative learning environments.

Recognizing the Importance of Creativity and the Role of Web 2.0 Tools
We must recognize the importance of creativity as a crucial 21st century learning skill. Creativity is at the heart of Web 2.0 and many of its vast array of tools.

Developing Critical Thinking Skills Using Web 2.0 Teaching Tools
Many of today’s Web 2.0 tools motivate students to learn while developing critical thinking skills necessary for competing in today’s global economy.

Developing Information Literacy Skills with Web 2.0 Tools
Students need to learn information literacy skills, combined with technology research and productivity tools, to succeed in today’s global economy.

Helpful Tools for using Web 2.0 teaching tools in the classroom
Helpful Tools for the Classroom - Zamzar, Mailcatch, Pixresizer, Splicd

Alternative Assessment with Web 2.0 tools in the Classroom
Alternative Assessment utilizing Web 2.0 tools helps to engage students and promote learning. Explore these Web 2.0 tools to discover new ways to evaluate your students level of learning.

SBI!