Getting Started

The past two weeks have been full of experimentation, learning, and remembering new passwords.  I have signed up for Google Reader (first I had to learn what RSS was) so I can follow my classmates' blogs.  My tech-savvy little sister also told me a few other blogs that I should follow.  I got a twitter account, but have yet to activate it by confirming my email address.  I have practiced making Voicethreads, both on my computer and on my iPhone, and have showed them to my principal in the hopes that she will pay for my class to have the educational version (I think she will), because a number of parents in my school have specific, valid concerns about privacy and security.  I have attended a session on using Moodle, and, after almost being able to set up groups and wikis for my class, am about to meet with the tech helping teacher to "crystallize" my Moodle knowledge.  I have revamped my lit circle unit plan and assessment to include an online discussion component.  I have listened to podcasts on CBC Radio's website.  I also updated my school's library website. So I have been busy delving into the Web 2.0 world, improving my comfort level in order to increase my use of these exciting tools in my classroom.

Inquiry Project Proposal

Over the course of this term, I will be working hard to increase my own comfort level with Web 2.0 tools, so that I can incorporate their use safely and effectively into my classroom practice.  

Web 2.0 Tools

Although this list will likely change over the course of this project, as learning is a fluid process, here is an initial list of Web 2.0 tools that I would like to explore.

• Wikis

• Online discussion forums

• Voicethread

• Podcasts (listening)

• Podcasts (creating)

• Prezi

• Museum Boxes

•  Socrative Survey Tool (on ipods) 

Rationale

I would consider myself an “intermediate” teach user.  I am always up for trying something new in my classroom, but I have concerns about online security and digital citizenship.  I have had mixed results with my use of technology in the classroom, and still have found that my most effective teaching takes place in low tech settings.  My goal for this project, then, is to find technological tools that lead to effective use of student time and rich, authentic learning experiences in a secure, engaging setting.  Students are excited and engaged by technology, but I want their use of Web 2.0 tools to be purposeful and meaningful, and not just technology for technology’s sake.  My hope is that the tools that I have chosen will engage students in meaningful, interactive, and collaborative processes of constructing, refining, and demonstrating understanding.

Goals

My goals for this project are linked to my use of technology in the classroom. 

·         I want to increase my own skill and comfort level with Web 2.0 tools, so that I can more effectively integrate their use into my classroom.

·         I want to investigate classroom applications for Web 2.0 tools that lead to rich, meaningful, and curricularly linked learning.

·         I want to explore ways to teach my students to be active participants in the Web 2.0 world, while staying safe, responsible, and respectful.  

Introduction

I am writing this blog as part of the course requirements for LIBE 477: Special Topics in Teacher Librarianism.  The course is challenging me to increase my knowledge and comfort level with Web 2.0 tools, so that I can incorporate their use into my Grade 4/5 classroom practice.  I am enthusiastic about the places this assignment will take me and my students over the next two months, and I think that I will see clear changes in the way I approach the use of technology in my classroom.

This blog will be the place where I reflect on my experiences and my learning, and where I post evidence of my learning.  The first Web 2.0 tool that I have experimented with is Voicethread, and the results, posted below, will help to elucidate my lifetime of experiences with and attitudes towards technology.

http://voicethread.com/share/2624557/

Join me on my journey!