Journal #2 - WEB 2.0 Today's Technologies, Tomorrow's Learning

When reading this article, I found myself constantly thinking of ways to implement social networking into my teaching. I absolutely love how today's world makes use of technologies like the Internet to help spread word of numerous ideas, in this case, class lessons, questions, and information for students. It would be a dream to be able to use this 100% of the time and have everyone be able to properly use it but that is obviously not going to happen. This idea brings me to my first question:

1. How would one be able to implement this into their classroom and still be able to involve parents?
Parents are often wondering what goes on within a classroom and although newsletters, syllabi and notes home can get them the information they need, an up-to-the-minute source such as a social network would be a more significant tool for them. One way in which a teacher could implement this practice is through their school's Back-To-School Night. With parents in front of them, a teacher could show them a quick how-to on the network and have them each sign up. By keeping parents involved, students might be more involved as well.

2. In which ways would you be able to work around bumps in the road such as lack of student interest and lack of technology?
Like I mentioned before, parent involvement is key to student success. One way to keep students interested is to keep parents interested. If the parents have no interest, there is most likely less interest for students as well. At the high school level, I think that student suggestions would work as well. By receiving input from students regarding what their most-used social networking site is, a teacher could possibly use that one for their class because students are already familiar with the site.
The lack of technology problem could come into place within the students' homes. If the teacher was able to give a list of places that offer free computer and internet use, students might feel more comfortable with the idea of a classroom social network.


Groff, J., & Haas, J. (2008). Web 2.0: Today's technologies, tomorrow's learning. Learning & Leading with Technology. 36, 12-15.