Technology in Learning

Students today grew up with the web and many of them use Web2.0 tools for fun at home. We should bring this fun into the classroom. Why? Web2.0 offers many tools that can get students to use higher level thinking skills (creating, evaluating, etc.). But, how do we get teachers who were not raised on the web to incorporate these tools into the classroom? When I want teachers to incorporate a new tool into the classroom, I often show them how to use it to their benefit first and then, when they get comfortable with the tool, provide examples of how they can use it with their students. Many of the Web2.0 tools can be used to help teachers organize and save them time. For example, if you train staff on using photo sharing sites, they will take off using these sites to share pictures with family and friends. When they are comfortable with that, discuss with them how they can use the same tool in their classroom (digital stories, reports, labeling, etc.). As I learn about many of tool myself, I always look for the “hook” for teachers. Once you hook them, they will incorporate the tools into their teaching and make learning fun for this generation of students.