Before we begin...

Definition of Web 2.0

Web 2.0 is a concept that refers to the Internet as a platform for information and idea-sharing and collaboration. A Web 2.0 site allows users to interact and collaborate with each other in a social media dialogue. The user is also the creator of content as opposed to a passive viewer of information. Some examples of Web 2.0 include social networking sites, blogs, wikis, video-sharing, web applications, etc.

Rationale

Because we are treading in some new territory with the explosion of web 2.0 tools available to us, it's important that we navigate carefully.  Understandably, parents (and teachers) are frightened by the wholesale unleashing of tools about which we don't fully understand the potential pitfalls.  Keeping this in mind, it's important that we learn as much as possible about the tools before we introduce them into our classrooms. This is especially true of social media tools that have varying layers of privacy settings (or the lack there of), as well as complex “terms of use” clauses.  Teachers must navigate these layers with common sense as well as an ongoing professionalism and commitment to a safe educational environment.

This class is designed to explore some of these Web 2.0 tools and ultimately assess different mediums and their potential in the classroom.  Although common sense should be the guide, here are some other very important guidelines to keep at the forefront of your practice: 

• Does the principal and parents know what web-based tools you are using with students and what your clear instructional purpose, goals and objectives are?
• Have you established a code of conduct/acceptable use policy for all participants, discussed it in class and informed parents?
• Have you thoroughly read the site’s “Terms of Use” looking for pitfalls like age restrictions?
• Have you taken steps to ensure privacy and a respectful environment via the site’s security/privacy settings? Does the site allow anonymity for comments? Should it?
• If using images or video content is part of you plan, have you flagged students whose files do not allow this content to be posted? These parental release forms are on file in TIES and in the office.

It is not always easy to discern what tools best compliment what parts of the curriculum. One of the culminating exercises of Tech Boot Camp will be to explore some different scenarios and reflect on the educational implications of each. We hope that the Tech Boot Camp “Fitness Assessment” later on in the course (Exercise 9)  will exercise your brain in a new and different way and help you begin crafting a narrative of how best to harness the benefits of Web 2.0 while minimizing the risks. Ultimately, our district believes that the benefits outweigh the harms, but that teachers need to be particularly well-versed in policy and do his/her best to address the guidelines posted above.

Links to School Resources:
Social Media and Instruction
Choosing the Right Medium
Use of Technology-Staff