Thing #15 Learning and Web 2.0

Ahh, the 21 st century. What an interesting world that we live in isn't it? Well, after spending time with both Will Richardson and David Warlick, I now have an idea about Learning 2.0 and Web 2.0. Of the two authors, I was most drawn to the ideas and work of Will Richardson. From his page, I was able to see what exactly the main ideas about the topics were and to really look at the impact that technology as a whole is having upon education and our civilization as a whole. Learning in the 21st century is certainly a whole new ball game. The changes in the world economy are going to continue to alter the world as both myself and my students understand it. I got the idea that seem to be conflicting views as to the role of technology in the educational realm. To me that seems to be a moot point, as it is here now and we have to adapt to it as best we can. I am an educator that is trying to break out of my comfort zone when it comes to the use of technology in my classroom and I like to think that I have been attempting to do so throughout my career. I have a Masters degree in Educational Technology for pete's sake. But by taking this class, I have been blown away at all the changes that have taken place even since I earned my masters in 2002. I struggle to think about my co-workers who are still utilizing over head projectors in their classes. How must they view these changes? I know that it is best for my students for me to utilize the technological tools that are available to me in order to help them to be sucessful in this world. I am responsible for working and learning more about these tools. I also still want to be the best educator that I can be and to be honest, my strength as a teacher lies in my ability to connect to my students. Kids know that I sincerely care about their learning. There is no reason why my strength as a caring, loving and knowledgable teacher cannot be supplemented by the amazing technological tools at hand.

Yours, rolling with the changes of the 21st century!
Elaine