Web 2.0 and its role in 21st Century teaching and learning

Our students are surrounded by so much technology that they use daily. I have learned that students just don’t flock to pen and paper any more because everything they do is technologically related. Most of my students have cell phones, MP3 players and even their own computers at home. When our students are constantly using these tools, it is only right for us, as teachers to integrate these tools in the classroom. Students are more willing to complete assignments when they can show how knowledgeable they are about technology and how it works. Why not have students work collaboratively and learn as they are just becoming more comfortable with the technology in their environment.

7 1/2 Habits Reflection

• Which habit(s) may be most challenging for you to employ as part of your Learning 2.0 experience?
• Which habit(s) will be easiest, or are most resonant for you as a lifelong learner?
• Which habit do you think will be most important for you as you work through this course, and why?
  

The most challenging habit for me to employ will be to "view problems as challenges". I always seem to let problems get in the way of me getting to my final goal. It usually just slows me down and makes me take extra time to complete a task, but when I do not have a lot of time, that could be very harmful to the completion of my final task. I want to be able to use problems to make my final product the best possible product that I can.

The easiest habit will be to "use technology to my advantage". I love technology and I usually look for ways to get my hands on the newest technology as soon as possible. I use my cellphone for more than just talking. I have set up all of my email addresses up on my phone and am able to check them where ever I am. It is very good for this class because I get my email updates as soon as they come to my gmail account.

The most important habit will be "begin with an end in mind". If I know what I am working toward and exactly how it is supposed to look, I can easily work toward my goal. It kind of like putting furniture together. If I can see the completed picture, I am easily able to follow the directions to help me get to the finished product. On the other hand, If I have no idea of what the finished product should look like, it is very hard for me to even get started.