Week 12 Reflection

Web 2.0 Technologies
Honestly, I didn't even know what web 2.0 was until I looked it up just now! I found this great definition:
The use of World Wide Web technology and web design that aims to facilitate creativity, information sharing, and, most notably, collaboration among users. These concepts have led to the development and evolution of web-based communities and hosted services, such as social-networking sites, wikis, blogs, and folksonomies.

So, knowing that, I think web 2.0 technologies are incredibly vital to today's classroom. Students need to be able to collaborate with classmates as they complete assignments and projects, using the web. Just from my experience in working with classmates in this class, i have been able to finish projects much more quickly and efficiently, by using tools like google documents, google presentations. These tools are so great because of the ability to change, edit, and update information instantly online.

I plan on having my future students use wikis and blogs as an outlet to express their thoughts in a creative way that can be shared with classmates. This helps the class connect to each other in an exciting way. Social networking sites are also a great way to collaborate with peers and share information. Today's student has to know all about these tools in order to stay afloat of this ever changing world. we as educators need to utilize these tools in our everyday assignments and lesson plans.

Video "Do you believe in me?"
Wow, who is this Dalton Sherman kid?? He is adorable and such an amazing speaker! I loved his speech, it's so moving. Sometimes we forget how important it is to believe in our students, our colleagues, ourselves. These kids need their teachers to care about them and take the time to listen and be there for them because like he said, sometimes it feels like no one else cares. Everyone involved with the school is important and makes an impact on the future of its students.