Chapter 3: New Tools

Web 2.0 Meme Map

·         Strategic Positioning

             -          Using the web as a platform

·         User Positioning

             -          User controls their own data

·         Core Competencies

             -          Services that are not packaged software
             -          Architecture of participation
             -          Cost-effective scalability
             -          Mixable data source and data transformations
             -          Software above the level of a single device
             -          Harnessing collective intelligence

v  O’ Reilly Media Inc. 2005 (Solomon, 47)

AJAX (Asynchronous JavaScript and XML) applications allow the web to load and refresh data quickly.  Another web tool includes open-source which is where the software allows users to edit, study, and enhance the source code for programs which allow the program to evolve. In order for users to be able to easily find search results, webpage creators create tags that are applied and related to the content.

Basic Web 2.0 Tools

·         Blogs – A web log created by a user in order to share their personal views and perspectives.

·         Podcasts – Allows users to distribute multimedia files quickly over the internet and to personal devices.

·         Wikis – A webpage which allows users to collaborate in writing, editing, and adding content.

·         Social bookmarking – A website which contains links to a users’ most visited sites.

·         Photo sharing – Users are able to post photos to the website so others can easily access and view them instead of through e-mail.

·         Photo editing – Allows users to use a website to edit and enhance their photos.

·         Video showcasing – Users are allowed to upload videos to the web for easy sharing with the public.

Web 2.0 tools are beginning to incorporate basic desktop tools which are available for free on the web.  These basic desktop tools include Microsoft Office which includes word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations.  Other helpful tools that are available on the Web include:

·         Electronic portfolios

·         Calendars

·         3D modeling

·         Social networking

·         Surveys and Polls

·         Drawing

·         Mashups

·         Instant Messaging

·         Internet Telephony

“Open source provides a rich and growing set of applications that
can be used as learning tools and other
software that is designed specifically for learning” (Solomon, 72).

Educational software is becoming more effective and planned into curriculums for schools.  Educational applications are available on the web and can be used on any operating system which makes it very accessible for students.  Students can learn very well from these tools and collaborate easily with other students.

NETS • T Standard

2.      Planning and Designing Learning Environments and Experiences:  I think this standard applies to the chapter because it allows teachers to plan and design effective learning environments and experiences supported by technology.  It also relates to the chapter because this standard allows teachers to design developmentally appropriate learning opportunities that apply technology-enhanced instructional strategies to support the diverse needs of learners.

Citations:
Solomon, G., & Schrum, L. (2007). Web 2.0, new tools, new schools. Eugene, OR: Intl Society for Technology in educ.