Erin_Conmy,Web+2.0

"Classrooms tend to encourage and reward individual knowledge stored in the head, not distributed knowledge. They don't often allow students to network with each other and with various tools and technologies and be rewarded for doing so . . . . classrooms tend to narrowly constrain where students can gain knowledge, rather than utilize widely dispersed knowledge."

As educators and budding administrators, your job is to consider the use of these Web 2.0 tools in the classroom. There are clearly some educational benefits, but there may also be constraints in their use...for instance, some or even many of them may be blocked in your school division. What do you think? Is it possible to open up the classroom to these kinds of collaborative tools? If so, how? How might Web 2.0 tools change the constraints on student learning that the author seem to see in place in contemporary classrooms. Also note whether you think this constraint applies to your particular class or specialty.

Web 2.0 tools allow students to embark on a new type of learning. Exploration through a computer opens new doors to the world of knowledge. This knowledge is everywhere and in multiple forms. The benefits of exploration and using Web 2.0 isn't always justified because it isn't easily measured. We work for a system that is data driven and uses traditional ways to measure data. I believe that Web 2.0 learning is very progressive therefore current public school systems have a hard time supporting a style of learning that is not within their immediate control. It is difficult to supervise employees, teachers, and students when you open up the door to the world wide web. However, a system like ours might see a significant increase in progress if it allowed more professional judgment and less policing. Opening Web 2.0 into the classroom takes knowledge, permission, and passion. It is possible but systems need to be open to the possibility. Most school systems allow a small portion of technology in the classroom. This is due to lack of resources, untrained professionals, and the need for search control. Although, teachers have been integrating technology into their classrooms for some time now. Vicki Davis is a great example of how collaborative tools can become a part of daily instruction. I would love to see more collaborative tools in our classrooms. But I know it will take years before a change like that will happen. Our district should look at other districts that have demonstrated collaborative tool use in the classroom. Our neighboring school system Henrico County is a perfect example of how a system uses technology effectively. HCPS believe its students "must be able to use technology effectively ,to live, learn, and work successfully in an increasingly complex and information-rich society." In order for their students to be successful, they deploy laptops to all middle school and high school students within their system. They have partnered with Dell and Apple to make it happen. The staff in Henrico is given a laptop for instructional use too. Technology has become priority and the system makes sure all stakeholders are properly outfitted to become competitive and knowledgeable in the world of Web 2.0. Henrico has eliminated some constraints and been proactive about dispersing knowledge to better prepare its students for the future.