Journal 1: Do Web 2.0 Right by Daniel Light (Nets-T 1)

Light, D. (2011). Do web 2.0 right. Learning and Leading with Technology, 38(5), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-december-january-2010.aspx

Technology is everywhere and now in the classroom.  It is being used as an effective tool to teach and prepare students. Blogs are becoming popular in the classroom for discussion purposes. “They generate interest, support student debates, students are able to see their peer’s comments and post comment on their peers blog”. It is a beneficial influence for better communication and interaction between teachers and students. Even for the students who are shy are able to put their opinion in words and post it on a blog. I know when I was in school I was more worried about people laughing at me for asking a stupid question or looking at me weird because I did not make sense. Now with blogs, the self-conscience or shy student is able to post their opinion in a blog. Students are able to research their answer or put more effort in their response. Where in a classroom students go off what they know and the shy or self-conscience students won’t even participate. However, it is important to create a assignment that generates an interest in the students otherwise students will put little effort into the assignment. Technology has an unbound access to information to turn into knowledge. And if used appropriately and effectively it can be a tool for development of higher thinking skills.

1) Will you incorporate technology in your classroom? why or why not?

I am not 100% sure if I will incorporate technology in my classroom, it might be a little bit tough with math. I love technology and all it has to offer and I would love to incorporate it. The only idea that comes to mind is necessarily posting videos on how to solve math problems and how to use excel spreadsheets with math.

2) How can technology be an asset in teaching?

If used effectively, it can engage students in discussions on blogs. It can encourage the students to become critical thinkers. Students also feel more motivated to become actively involved in the blog.