At the beginning of this course, I had many questions about the vocabulary and applications related to Web 2.0. I also had lots of apprehension about how to introduce students to new tools and activities while effectively prohibiting them from encountering age-inappropriate information.
Through this course, I have discovered that I am already comfortable with many Web 2.0 applications that I simply lacked the specialized vocabulary to describe. For example, I have used social networks to share pictures and keep in touch with family and friends for several years. I have also maintained a blog of teaching tools and ideas over the last few years. However, I had not been aware that these activities were part of Web 2.0.
I have also become much more comfortable trying out new tools. For example, during this course, I have learned to use Prezi and Glogster to share information with students, teachers, and parents in visually interesting and novel ways. I have also learned to use wikis to collaborate and share information. I now realize how easily people can work together remotely by using a common online document or planning tool.
My greatest concern about using technology in the library was regarding student access to questionable content. The Internet is vast, and the opportunities for students to access images and information which might not be appropriate are many. In the last few months, I have provided many opportunities for my elementary school students to use computers, access the Internet, and use applications such as our online catalog, online games, and web-based presentations. Admittedly, I have had some students "sneak" onto song-lyric or game sites which I did not approve or intend them to use. However, on the whole, I have found that by planning engaging activities, I am able to guide most students to focus on the appropriate task at hand. In the few cases of virtual-wandering, I have been able to quickly address the situations through basic discipline. Classmates quickly learn that they won't be able to engage in the fun technology-based activities if they choose not to follow directions.
Having made my way to success with several new-to-me tools, I feel more capable of approaching unfamiliar technology with a sense of adventure rather than apprehension. I have already begun enjoying introducing others to some of these tools, and I look forward to future projects I will accomplish using my new skills.
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