Sep 12 2010
Chapter 3
There are so many Web 2.0 tools available for anyone to access and utilize in their everyday lives. These tools are allowing for more collaboration and effective communication than ever before. It is essential for educators to understand this, and utilize Web 2.0 tools in their classrooms to engage students in the teaching and learning process. With teachers using more Web 2.0 tools in the classroom, it will allow for students to get a better understanding of the importance and impact Web 2.0 tools have on the world.
A great is example is that it is vital for a business or marketing teacher to have your students practice and used these effectively because when students are in the workforce, they will have a competitive advantage among other individuals. Many businesses are operating online, and they are using many Web 2.0 tools in their every day operation. A great example is social networking. Companies are finding websites like Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube to be very useful tools for promoting their services and offerings and connecting with customers and business associates. Many businesses have caught onto this trend and are taking advantage of the benefits.
This chapter also discusses in detail many valuable Web 2.0 tools such as weblogs, RSS, video casting, social bookmarking, social networking, podcasts, and picture sharing sites. By using these tools often within the classroom, it will allow for students to understand the real-world impact they have on a personal and professional basis. There are so many projects my students could do using these tools to practice communication and collaboration. One great example would be Skype. I believe it would be a very creative tool to use within lessons so students can learn from a variety of individuals. This is a great way to have a guest speaker, and for my students to get great perspective from someone in the field.
The competitive advantage is a great aspect for students to succeed over other possible employees. As teachers, it is important for us to see how to train students to have a competitive advantage. As students have a competitive advantage, the more likely they will be able to reach their desired goals and dreams. Teachers have a highly important role in students current and future lives.