Module 10

I think there is a strong need for education providers to use Wikis and Nings in their classrooms. Our students are living products of the 21st Century digital world. Without using social networking as an educational tool teachers will fail to effectively engage their students. However, this is not as simple as it may seem. Introducing such tools requires structure and careful monitoring. I know when I have set up classroom blogs for my students they often treat this like a facebook account where they can socially interact with their friends rather than a valuable learning tool. Thankfully, the blog I used needed the administrator to approve students comments etc. Students need to be shown how to use these kinds of websites within an educational context.
I know that I already use some of the tools I have been shown in Web 2.0 and I will continue to use these. However, I have inorporated many new skills that I have added to my existing knowledge. I am blogging and reading friend's blogs. I've added my blog to my facebook account along with photos added through flickr. I now follow my friend's blog on google reader. The list just goes on and on. I know I will continue to expand these skills as the fear of the unknown as subsided.
As my confidence, knowledge and skills with digital technology and online interaction increases I know that I am better able and willing to encourage and allow my students the opportunity to learn in a more meaningful and relevant way. I think I am becoming a more engaging teaching and I am keen to continue this journey along with my students.