Pick and Choose

From Web2.0 magazine, here is a basic rundown of the many many options from which to choose in incorporating Web 2.0 into the classroom. The list is organized by programming. video, music, chats, blogging, bookmarking, VOIP, games and sketching, wikis, office tools, RSS, emails, new, file sharing and more. There are several options under each heading.

This list, and in particular its categorical breakdown, provides a good framework for determining out needs/desires in terms of options for instructors and trainings that might be needed.

Web 2.0 and Today's Workforce

Unfortunately, I cannot link to the Aberdeen Report, which, according to CNN.com and other sites was sponsored at some point, but according to Aberdeen's page, is no longer sponsored or viewable by nonmembers. Shame. The secondary sources that I have found, however, capture and summarize the findings of the study that are relevant to my project, namely, that Web 2.0 capabilities are essential for individuals entering the current workforce.

Aberdeen found that "Best in Class" companies utilize Web 2.0 tools in order to increase worker productivity and output. These companies invest in the professional development of their workers who might need guidance in using these tools.

The important take away here is that in the business world, working with Web 2.0 is a fundamental skill. If it valued in the workplace, then it should be valued and cultivated in academia.

Exciting Resources for Instructors

1) The Open Learning Initiative from Carnegie Mellon University is a free offering of courses ranging from Biology to Economics to French. I entered into the French module and performed some of the exercises - they were quite engaging and would be an extremely useful addition to any French course in their student-directed pacing, self-testing, and real-life (video) simulations.

Professors who are interested in using some of the OLI models (Causal and Statistical Reasoning, Economics, French I, French II, Logic, Statistics)must register and pay a small fee. However, there are also resources for building courses and opportunities for students (or any interested individual) to participate in these courses.

2) From Merlot (Multimedia Educational Resource for Learning and Online Teaching), ideas for course enhancement and a Virtual Instructional Design helper

Recently launched site offers support for instructors

The Social Media Classroom site offers helpful information for looking at

• specific classroom tools that we should be looking into: integrated forum, blog, comment, wiki, chat, social bookmarking, RSS, microblogging, widgets , and video commenting
• how the use of these tools can enhance learning and help to reposition the student's experience from receiver of information to participatory seeker and creator of information
• how Web 2.0 tools are a rich extension of the best elements of traditional classroom methods, particularly those that are valued here: collaboration and self-expression

In order to access the repository of resources for educators, one needs a login ID and password.