Web 2.0 technology
is a valuable tool in the classroom and beyond.
In addition to aiding collaboration and encouraging creativity and
voice, these diverse tools can play an important role in making curriculum and
activities more accessible and beneficial to students with disabilities and
students learning English as a Second Language (ESL). For students learning to speak, write, and
comprehend English, Web 2.0 can provide a way to interact with other students,
access audio versions of instructions, and repeat any information they may need
to hear again (as often as necessary!). Likewise,
Web 2.0 can provide valuable tools for students with disabilities, giving them
multiple ways to access information (visual, auditory, tactile, etc.). The tools used to assist students with mild
disabilities in the classroom are often tools that will benefit the entire
class regardless of needs. This is
important to consider when planning lessons and organizing an inclusive
classroom – universal design benefits all students, not just a select few. In addition to the advantages listed above,
Web 2.0 tools can be used for individualized and creative assessment
strategies. E-folios (online portfolios)
allow students to compile their work and present what they have learned in an
interactive and creative way. Also, students
can benefit from frequent online assessment to measure their learning
throughout the unit or lesson. With the
move to more technology-centered schools, equal access among students becomes
an issue. Students may have access at
school, but lack a home computer or internet.
This issue is being researched and addressed, with affordable laptops
and accessible networks being considered.
While examining a
study where CDs were used for vocabulary studies, Solomon and Schrum (2007)
stated that the “use of multimedia apparently provided natural differentiation,
a nonthreatening environment, and cooperative work opportunities” (pg.
161). Could anything be more appealing in
the classroom than “natural differentiation”?
Teachers struggle all the time trying to create individualized instruction
for each learner. Web 2.0 and various
other types of multimedia tools provide this natural differentiation when used
correctly. Teachers should take this to
heart and begin learning the ways of the multimedia classroom in order to take
advantage of the great resources provided in today’s technological world.
NETS Standards (Teachers)
III. Teaching, Learning, and the Curriculum
Teachers implement
curriculum plans that include methods and strategies for applying technology to
maximize student learning. Teachers:
- Facilitate technology-enhanced experiences that address content
standards and student technology standards.
- Use technology to support learner-centered strategies that address
the diverse needs of students.
- Apply technology to develop students’ higher-order skills and
creativity.
- Manage student learning activities in a technology-enhanced
environment.
Reference
Solomon, G., & Schrum, L.
(2007). Web 2.0: New
tools, new schools. Eugene,
OR: International Society for Technology in Education.
Picture retrieved from: http://eslarticle.com/pub/articles/e-learning-call/developmentally-appropriate-practices-teaching-with-technology-in-early-childhood-487.htm
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