Blog Journal 5

• I think that using Web 2.0 resources in the classroom is a great way to get students more involved with class and help them learn in a way that isn't just throwing facts at them. One Web 2.0 technology mentioned in the podcast that I think would be helpful in the classroom is Blogs, this can give students a stage to speak about what they know and their opinions on a subject that they might be too shy to discuss in class. I also love the fact that their are teacher controls that let them control who can see their students blog posts, in order to keep them internet safe! Students also need to be exposed to these technologies at a young age because technology is ever changing and it is important to stay on top of it! Twitter is another way for students to be able to reach out to people that they wouldn't have the opportunity to without the use of social media. If they see a post from someone and have a question about it they can simply Tweet back at that person and can get a direct answer from the source. Social media such as Twitter allows students to reach information and people from all over the world, and gives students better perspective. Lastly, Diigo is another useful classroom tool. Students can share resources with each other, saving them time, but also forcing them to learn how to check the validity of the websites their classmates have bookmarked. Using Diigo can make group projects a breeze because it is so simple to collaborate and write comments and notes. 
• Skype is a Web 2.0 tool that I have seen people use in the classroom. A student at a different Florida State campus needed to take the class that we were in, so the University accommodated and made it possible for her to Skype into class and learn. This can also help when students are sick at home, but don't want to get behind in school. Another great way to incorporate Skype in the classroom is when a teacher wants to have a particular speaker come to their classroom, but distance is an issue. Let's say theres an amazing author you would love to have come talk to your class about writing, but she lives across the country. If able to come in contact with them, you could simply Skype them and be able to give your students that experience. https://www.skype.com/en/
• I believe that Personal Learning Environments hold the biggest promise for education. I do believe that technology in classrooms is important because it us such a huge part of our daily lives. However, I also I believe that attempting to incorporate too much technology such as electronic paper, augmented reality might be to distracting to students and do more harm than good. Personal Learning Environments allow students to explore content online on their own time. It is great for distance education programs, but still is centered around sources from the institution. Some students don't do as well in the structured school day so giving them the opportunity to customize their learning pathway can help them WANT to learn.