Web 2.0 Tools in Schools

Recently Tech PD hosted a live webinar, produced by Tech & Learning Magazine and sponsored by Intel, on the use of Web 2.0 tools in schools. Two schools were featured. New Canaan Public Schools from Connecticut provided a fast paced description of the many tools they integrate into their schools including Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Diigo, Moodle, Google apps, Voicethread,and MixBook. They admitted their school is not problem free but they reported a number of positive results to incorporating these Web 2.0 tools including higher student engagement, deeper understanding of student learning, development of 21Century skills and less student ‘hacking’ and ‘damage’ to school technology.

The second group of speakers were from the Illinois Math and Science Academy (IMSA) and they spoke of the use of their site CoolHub.imsa. This site reminded me a little of Ning or other site that offers social networking, but with a definite educational focus. In fact it is more limited than that, it is designed specifically for project-based learning. Membership is free and teachers and students alike can join an existing project or initiate a new one. They currently have about 50 projects with about 650 people involved in individual, classroom and global projects. Each project group has access to a blogging tool, along with a wiki, conferencing tools, document sharing, etc. Very cool!

If you weren’t able to join us, you can still view the recording. You will need to fill in the form to register in order to get access.