Final blog reflection: teaching and learning with Web 2.0 tools (ETEC 527)

    This was a fascinating course; there were so many aspects of digital Web 2.0 I did not know about. During this course, I learned about both the positive and negative aspects of Web 2.0 technology. Before we venture into those details, let's take a walk down memory lane; below are some artifacts from ETEC 527 and learning about Web 2.0 technology. 

Week One:  Adventure in Vanity Search:

    During Week One, I literally found myself. during this search. I realized how much of a technology footprint I had. I am most certain that there is more information about me out there that I haven't found since what I shared from Week One. I used several types of searches and was amazed at the information I found during my exploration.

    

    Week Two: Twitter Blog Post:  I was able to explore Twitter, and I came to learn about how to use Twitter as a Web 2.0 tool I learned all about hashtags and how they are keywords for topics. I knew Twitter was an impactful and very influential social platform, I learned that it could be used to share information with students along with joining groups. 

Week 3 Twitter/Youtube Adventure: I continued my Twitter adventure, but also explored youtube. In a previous class, I learned how to use the basics of youtube. 

I created lists that were related to teaching and learning with technology and content videos for both Math and Social Studies. I am still learning the ends and outs of youtube. Both Web 2.0 tools are great resources that can be incorporated into daily instruction. Youtube is a very powerful online video-sharing social media platform.

During Week 4 Adventures of HyperDocs, I learned what HyperDocs were and were not. Below is a screenshot of my Twitter post. 

My final project for this course was to create a lesson that had Web 2.0 technology. I created a 2-3 day Hyperdoc lesson that would be used within my classroom during stations. HyperDocs help make lessons engaging, and meaningful and they also offer differentiation and creativity.

In week 5 I learned about social bookmarking. I was already social bookmarking on Pinterest and Facebook without even knowing it (the term that is). When web pages and tabs are bookmarked, you can retrieve the information at a later time. I also learned about Diigo that week. There were plenty of Web 2.0 resources to bookmark on Diigo. I joined a few groups as well.

My final assignment was to conduct a vanity search 2. I found that very little had changed from when I first conducted my initial vanity search but was surprised to see that my Instagram account came up when last time it didn't. 

    While I ventured into the world of Web 2.0 tools I found that there were many advantages, First Web 2.0 Tools can help make lessons engaging and interactive. if unsure how to use a certain web 2.0 tool,  you should be able to find a tutorial online. A few strengths and affordances are that once you keep using it, it becomes easier to use. You can format your lessons using different software or applications. You can access almost any type of information that you can think of. Which is also a pitfall. Other pitfalls are, not having appropriate internet connectivity, or enough technology readily available. It could be difficult to monitor students, and material needs to be thoroughly vetted before being issued. Before using any type of web 2.0 tool, I would look at the feedback for possible ratings, and check to see what kind of technical support is offered. I would also make certain that the technology is user-friendly, adaptable, and cost-efficient. A few things I wish to avoid, using Web 2.0 tools that do not offer alignment to the state standards, and that is not secure tool.