Steve and I spent some time in class researching web 2.0 tools. I have been encouraging teachers to explore these tools for some time. I believe that there is a real power in using many of these tools since they are collaborative by nature. Students can easily extend discussions and assignments beyond the school day through the use of many web 2.0 tools like blogs, wikis, google docs (and similar tools), Voicethread, and many others.
Steve and I chose to explore online mapping sites. I have been using these tools with elementary students. I have been trying to convince our third grade teachers in particular that teaching mapping with these tools rather than foldup paper maps is far more relevant to students. I don't know anyone who uses paper maps to tell them where they are going or to determine directions before they leave. With GPS tools in cars and on phones, they are obsolete. Fast forward 10 years when third graders graduate and they will be completely forgotten. Yet, we insist on keeping them in our curriculum.
Even first graders used Google maps and Google Earth to explore the world as part of their world tour unit they do in class. They were able to follow directions to find key places around the world. I particularly like Live Maps because they use the USGS photography so the "Satellite" images are much higher quality and from a less extreme angle than the other sites. One concern about these sites is how often the images are updated. We have found that students who have homes that are less than 2-3 years old couldn't find their houses. The photos are too old. They are still probably more updated than many of the maps found in classrooms, but they need to be updated more often.
My group worked on its group project. In spite of all the silly interactions, we are quite productive when we need to be. We also complement each others' skills very well. I am sort of excited about our project. While technology can build community through online experiences, it can also build it through desktop applications. Comic Life is a fun, powerful software that allows students to develop creative, communication, and media skills. I have long argued with colleagues about the power of computers to bring kids together and learn how to collaborate. They see computers as they see traditional video games- kids with headphones zoning out by themselves. I see computers as David Jonassen describes them- mindtools that allow students to create, organize, access, communicate, analyze, and collaborate. This project does that.
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