Wow! Web 2.0 is the Future of Education

This was such a powerful article I couldn't read another one until I commented on it. I was enthralled as I read the trends in technology and education. Phrases like "flood of information" and "platform for creativity" made an impact which almost overwhelmed me. At the same time I could feel the excitement about the potential building up from deep inside. Suddenly I was able to see what actually lies ahead for our students and for education. What potential!!

I loved when he said the consumers will become the producers - creators of content. Rather than just searching for information, students can become participants in the dissemination of content. His reference to the "hallway" learning just reinforced a belief I've always had - that one learns best when teaching others. Study groups, whether in person or in blogs, would enable students to affirm their knowledge, add to it, share it. His practical suggestions to educators make a lot of sense to me. I wish more teachers would take his challenge.

One thing that did disturb me was a comment made in response to his article. One person shared the reaction received by administrators when presented with a proposal to pilot a classroom blog for her students writing. They were astounded that she would think of such a thing and even suggested that students' writings should be confined to the refrigerator door! He even wanted to know if there were studies to show that such a program would raise test scores.

True, with NCLB barking at our heels it would be difficult to devote time to such pursuits, but in the long run who will suffer? Do our students plod away in tutoring groups, acceleration groups and constant test preparation? Or do we teach them as much as we can and prepare them for a future that will in all probability involve technology and knowledge of software to which they have never been exposed? Do we continue with paper and pencil work, losing many students along the way? Or get them involved in regular classroom use of computers that will keep them interested and engaged in learning?