Jane+Keddie

"In short, for a host of reasons, we're failing to empower kids to use one of the most important technologies for learning that we've ever had. One of the biggest challenges educators face right now is figuring out how to help students create, navigate, and grow the powerful, individualized networks of learning that bloom on the Web and helping them do this effectively, ethically, and safely. The new literacy means being able to function in and leverage the potential of easy-to-create, collaborative, transparent online groups and networks, which represent a "tectonic shift" in the way we need to think about the world and our place in it (Shirky, 2008). This shift requires us to create engaged learners, not simply knowers, and to reconsider the roles of schools and educators." [] Well stated by Will Richardson in article, //Networking: The New Literacy// I work for a company that makes money by selling a value-added sales tool for insurance companies to "win" business. They are competing with other brokers to get a clients business. Things have changed so much in our world and continue to change on a daily, yearly basis, that if you don't keep up - you loose out. Gone are the days of creating a relationship or outbidding someone. All insurance companies get the same rates. Now it's all about what value I add compared to the next guy. In the real world it is tough. You have to keep up with technology. They want and need technology products that companies want and need. If you provide the information in a technology and do it well. You will be successful.

The same is true in the classroom. If teachers aren't on the cutting edge, students won't be able to compete in the marketplace. You have to be savy with technology and know how to use it to succeed in whatever industry you are in. Students have to be able to adapt and use technology to win and find success in the classroom applying to all they do and learn!

What are, then, the aspects of Web 2.0 that translate into achieving educational goals? Students who continue to post to their blog or to stay involved in discussion forums during their vacations exemplify the power of Web 2.0 to engage students because of the authentic nature of the work rather than being required assignments.
 * Engagement.**

Students today are creating on the Web for very real audiences, and their writing or production has to pass a very real test: are they communicating well? Whether it is the peer audience in school which keeps their Web 2.0 programs within the “walled garden” of the school network, or it is publishing for the world, both the work and the audience are authentic. That is, actually being a contributor to world’s body of knowledge. []
 * Authenticity.**
 * Participation.**

Blogs, video, wikis, live streaming, etc. People connect so much quicker and easier. Thoughts and ideas are shared knowing that others will be reading and communicating and responding back. Community building and networking happens using the technology resources. When we post a blog, we do so knowing that others will engage in my writing. We become active readers, not passive readers. These things can be taught to students, they don't automatically know this. We are continually connecting, colaborating, engaging with technology. I think students are more motivated knowing that others are going to be actively reading and responding to what they write about. They can respond back to their responders to keep the connection going. A blog, facebook, forums, linked are places to connect, network, and have conversations. When we write, we can write in a way that would entice others to read and comment back with the goal of engaging others...students, parents, and so on.

What does the future hold for our students using technology? No one really knows. It is collorborative, we will work with different cultures, in different locations right from our computer. We won't have paper, but we have to save it or share it somehow. We will need to be flexible in our roles and maybe be more of an entepreneur in nature or work as a free lancer. Will we go to virtual schools and ultimately have virtual workplaces and / or jobs? How can we grow and change as a learner? What holds me back with technology and what can I learn to stretch myself today, next month, next year? I want to continue to learn and not to be afraid of learning but to see it as a new adventure that I can get my students excited about!

What is Wikipedia? "You've all heard by now of //Wikipedia//, the online, collaborative, social encyclopedia, written in the form of a wiki." [] "Hey, it’s only an encyclopedia! Basic references sources—whether Wikipedia or //World Book//—should be used to get a general overview of a topic or put a topic in context, not be used as a sole and final authoritative source." [] Wikipedia: Ban It? or Boost It? I think that says it all in a nutshell! Use it as a general overview of a topic, put the topic in context, not to be used as your only or final source. We need to teach students strategies on how to determine if a online site is a worthy source- (SEE BELOW) The ABC's of Web Site Evaluation If the article is not sourced, then it isn't reliable. External sources should be checked.

I looked at some of the award winning wiki sites and love the ability to interconnect with others around the globe. It opens to learning from others around the world connecting and interacting together. This would almost have to be a hobby outside of "work" becasue it would be time consuming but very exciting!

Why use Wiki?? collaborative character, multiple contributors, speed of convenience with editing, can work on it from home or at school.