Blog Post 3: Technology Implementation Strategies

Web 2.0 tools are everywhere, and our youth have embedded themselves in the tech world we know today. Schools now have the challenge of embracing Web 2.0 tools, social media sites (SMS), and many other technology-based gadgets that are available to students. Being that technology is ever changing, the curriculum of schools will need to evolve as well. Many teachers, administrations, and parents have not fully embraced the fact that students can benefit greatly from schools incorporating a technology rich curriculum where the students will be allowed to use their smartphones, tablets, and other technological devices, or even access YouTube, SMS sites, or wikis to participate in class projects. The popular “go to” site for locating sites, Google, can be avoided by teachers accessing sites, such as: delicious.com or diigo.com. These are samples of websites where both students and teachers can work collaboratively on projects or classwork. Most popular social networking sites have been banned from many school districts computers, therefore making it impossible for students to access for personal reasons. However, developers have created many education SMS to allow students to work together in private networks. These sites allow students to post pictures, share opinions, and communicate with their classmates. With all of the new technology that students are being exposed to today, not only is it important for schools to engage and support learning through new technology, it is vital for teachers, librarians, and administrators to educate students on being ethical and safe while using said media sites.

I found that www.wall.fm is a SNS that can be used for educational purposes within a private and secure community. It can be costly, but may be more useful than online subscriptions that teacher may normally purchase to support their classroom. With the older grades, I think it is important to tap into the culture of our youth and embrace the same types of technology that they use daily in their free time. Another strategy that I would implement would be http://ejucomm.com/portfolio/. This is a great tool to send push notifications to smartphone users. They can get reminders, and access the custom library buttons that I can create to keep them informed about library happenings. Asselin, M., & Moayeri, M. (2011). Practical Strategies: The Participatory Classroom: Web 2.0 in the Classroom. Literacy Learning: The Middle Years, 19(2), i-vii.