Web 2.0 Tools

I must admit I have not always been great with technology. Slowly as I learn more about the tools available and how to use them I have began using them more and more in my classes. In my little teaching experience so far I have used a few Web 2.0 tools mostly Animotos and Blogs.

I really like using Animotos to teach vocabulary. My students love them and enjoy learning vocabulary from them. The music keeps them engaged and the photos provide visual learners a way to learn vocabulary that doesn't require, copying and recopying definitions or making flash cards.

I also really like having a class blog, it makes life a lot easier. The parents can track our class and their child's work. Students have 24 hours access to homework and to resources they can use at home. I also use blogs for students to post about subjects we learn, which promotes peer to peer discussion and a deeper comprehension of knowledge.

I have taken an interest in an app that has exploded in popularity called Vine. Vine is a short 6 second video, which is easy to make and distribute.  Part of being an educator is meeting students in a common ground. Using Web 2.0 tools that they already are using for fun, for example Twitter, Facebook, and now Vines.

Another tool I took a special interest in was Voki.  It allows users to make 60 second sound bytes. As an ESL teacher I am always searching for new ways for my students to hear native speakers, this is a way for me to have voice recordings of native speakers available for them anytime they want. Another great aspect of Voki is that it can be used to create better digital citizens. Teacher Richard Byrne pointed out, "Another way I use Voki is to help my very young students create digital identities. The parents feel more comfortable with the children using avatars instead of their real identities. The children also create the conversations for the Voki. " (Byrne, 2010)

Byrne, Richard. Engaging Students with Voki. Free Technology for Teachers. February 15, 2010. http://www.freetech4teachers.com/2010/02/engaging-students-with-voki.html