Web 2 Tools in the Classroom

Web 2 tools 

I'll be honest I have struggled with the mass introduction of technology especially in education. It's not new in Special Education because we have used support equipment for the 25 yrs+ I have been teaching. However there is a difference between the "Big Mac" button I used for my non verbal children to answer questions and the the myriad of "tools" now available.

So, MY HUSBAND bought me an ipad two years ago so this "dinosaur" of the school could keep up with technology and use the ipads that each of the students in my class use daily.

So Google says, Web 2 tools are "second generation of web development and design, that facilitates communication, secure information sharing, interoperability, and collaboration on the World Wide Web".

(https://www.pthsteachers.pbworks.com)

Classroom Innovation

If you are thinking of trying a flipped classroom or differentiated instruction, then Web 2 tools are a good place to start. Some of the best teachers and schools in the country are providing free material online or you can subscribe to some as a school. You can use the sites to supplement your own lessons, collect data, help students prepare for tests, or let accelerated students extend their learning. 

I have found some very important wisdom in using Web 2 tools I would like to share before I list a few tools I think have merit.

1. TRAINING - The first thing I did with my ipad after having a play myself was attend a SPECTRONICS workshop on using ipads. It was super fast paced but really helped me get my head around the essentials. In reality, using and playing is the best teacher but information in "cyberspace", particularly student information, needs to remain secure. I was not confident I knew the boundaries of this concept until I attended the workshop ( and saw our lovely Tech guy from work!!)

2. ICT is also an acronym for IT CAN'T TEACH. In the end, the effectiveness of the lesson is about my quality planning based on sound pedagogical practice and thoughtful choice of the "tools" to execute my planning. I am not using a Web 2 tool without purpose.

3.  This brings me to my third point. I need to EVALUATE the "tools" I am using. There are rubrics available and I have include one for ipads (https://www.web2-4languageteachers.wikispaces.com).Good pedagogical practice is about reflecting on my own practice and choosing tools to make my teaching more specific or help a student learn more effectively in a style or with a tool that will allow that to happen.

(https://www.web2-4languageteachers.wikispaces.com)

https://www.learninginhand.com

SCHOOL or CLASS TOOLS

Wordpress - Create a class website or blog on this free, easy-to-use site. Teachers of younger students can keep parents informed of class activities and upcoming events. Teachers of older students can link to interesting websites, launch online discussions, and post study guides. Some teachers foster writing and technology skills by requiring each student to write a blog post.

Facebook page – Some schools/classes have a page for communicating information. Definitely a possibility for a textiles class.

EduBlogs- Set up blogs on this for yourself or your students. The teacher is in control of the safety settings. This could be great for small homework pieces or the six hat thinking on problems.

Khan Academy - This site is school supported and usually has a small subscription.Students/parents are given an access code. Students can watch video lessons and test their knowledge, progressing at their own pace, and teachers keep track of students’ progress. Use this tool to differentiate instruction or to flip your classroom. Students can review material ahead of tests.

Youtube – video’s and tutorials for just about anything. Most of the textile techniques on this blog link to youtube tutorials.

Survey Monkey - this little tool is great for feedback about anything. It is important to be aware of making questions for students that give you the feedback you need. Examples are provided in the set up.

Behind the News http://www.abc.net.au/btn/story/s3749317.htm (sweatshops)
Current affairs news on a variety of issues. You can use the keyword search to see what may be available around your particular topic of learning and could be used for learning at home.

Creativity tools

Pintrest - create boards of inspiration for class activities or anything really. Link with students and you could use this tool for flipped classroom learning.

Polyvore - make mood boards for textiles or fashion and design and share them with others.

Photoshop - This tool is for purchase but has some definite value for creativity and for fashion & design work. Students in graphics or other digital technology classes would use it as well.

Organisation & Planning

Evernote - This was recommended at a workshop and it great for keeping notes and information together that can be sent to others.

Dropbox - it's like the filing cabinet in cyberspace for all your work. It can be accessed on another computer, anywhere.

Wordle - creating word clouds which could be used for a unit of work. Use clouds to identify key vocabulary, main ideas, use it as a creative tool to compare two topics eg natural dyes and chemical dyes

QR Codes - This is a great tool for self directed learning. I make up worksheets with the code on it and students can use the ipads to download the information I want them to engage. This way I can actually provide a lot of information on just one A4 page. Laminated codes can also be used regularly in the class.

Teacher development

Edutopia - a website and online community that increases knowledge, sharing, and adoption of what works in P-12 education. topics like: project-based learning, assessment, educational leadership and teacher development, and technology integration.

Teaching Channel - Similar to Edutopia (though American) it provides a lot of information and video's on the micro skills of teaching. I get lots of good ideas here

My Standards (aitsl) - This app/tool can be used for collating your professional practice and link to the Australian Standards. This handy tool is to showcase your excellent teaching.

The Learning Place (Education Qld) & On-line courses: This site provides staff and student space to manage on-line learning like Code of Conduct, Student Protection, Keys to managing information, mentoring and other topics relevant to professional practice.

360° Feedback - gain feedback from colleague on your teaching. This is a good tool for reflective practice and target area of growth.

Slideshare – Keep your powerpoint presentations and share them with others.

Differentiation in Special Education

Boardmaker on-line - create visual resources to support learning or access the on-line library of resources.

Ibooks

Tarheel Reader - able to write your own books as well as access the almost unlimited number. While it is geared to lower level readers, it could be used as a project for writing books on textile creations and knowledge for students with learning support needs.

Dragon dictation - great tool for converting speech to text for students who struggle with lengthy written task

Texthelp R & W GOLD - targeted tool which can be purchased by the school for students with dyslexia. The floating toolbar offers a lot of features for helping students with processing and identifying critical information

Ipad apps for Home Economics

Culinary Fundamentals - short video clips on a variety of cooking skills. I use this app often for students to see how to prepare something while I work with another student. Great in hospitality too

The Cooks Companion - helpful cooking information

Woolworths on-line - checking prices and information in food technology


FOR THE ULTIMATE LIST OF WEBSITES IN EDUCATION (Including Web 2 Tools) CHECK OUT WEALLY WONDERFUL WEBSITES by Gerry Kennedy, Spectronics.http://www.spectronics.com.au/blog/web-links/weally-wonderful-websites-v8-0/