Web 2.0

I'm in my second semester of the IDET program. For my class Integrating Technology in the Classroom, I explored three interactive sites. Here's what I thought:

1. TV.com

This website is great for finding something that you already know about. Otherwise, it could take a long time to find a show from just a keyword search. For example, I searched for educational shows and it gave me a big results list. While TV.com was awarded for being a well-done site, it doesn't offer much for educators.

2. Delicious.com

There are definitely more possiblities here. Teachers and students can use the search capacities to find anything. I created an account for myself. The directions are easy to follow. The one downside is that is easy to get distract because there's so many interesting website to find!

3. Twitter.com

While I didn't sign up for an account, I like the idea of what Twitter does for blogs--adding small updates or interesting side notes. I read an blog called "Twitter as Courseware." Students use Twitter as a means of class discussion. The author's biggest argument for using Twitter is that it balances the discussion between verbose and reticent students. Talkative students have to write less and shy students aren't forced to write a lot.

Twitter allows people to connect with anyone else who uses Twitter--even President Obama. Yep, he's using Twitter to get people interested in his issues. My grandpa probably never thought it would be possible to get your own updates on the President's activities. Shows you the power of Web 2.0