One week, two blogs...Part One

So, choose one application from each of the three groups and explain how I would use it in the classroom...only one problem, I make use of these applications already in my classroom. Okay, not a major problem, and perhaps I do not use all of the sites from the list, but I do incorporate the vast majority of these web 2.0 apps into my daily teaching. However, I do believe that any of the required sites I do not use is simply because I have found different applications to facilitate the same intended outcomes.
I have used Delicious for several years now, and am very familiar with how this bookmarking application works. I do have a Diigo account, and have used it, but sometimes the familiar is just easier, more comfortable and requires less mind to operate. Diigo does have some fine features, but when introducing the concept of bookmarking in the clouds with my students I find that I revert to what I know best. I use Delicious as a way to introduce the concept of 'vetting' web sites. I have the students begin a project, this term it was Hamlet, and then let them start hunting for resources about the play. After a few minutes I ask how it is going, knowing full well that the class is overwhelmed by the sheer volume of response that have poured forth from the google search they all have been doing. We then begin to explore tags in Delicious, and the fact that each tag has been added by someone that had taken the time to read and tag a site. Naturally we also discuss that this does not mean that all tags have been done correctly, but it is certainly better than a open-ended google search. The concept that all bookmarks can be accessed anywhere anytime is also enlightening for the students, as is the fact that they, as a class, can now share their tags, making the research task a collaborative exercise as well.

One of the best ways I have found to help assist students with new applications like Delicious is to do a instructional video. I use Jing, and then upload it to Screencast, and embed it into the class wiki. Easy, quick and effective for demonstrating the basics to the majority of students. Otherwise, I tend not to answer too many questions of the 'how do I do' variety, as sources like Youtube seem to have a video for every occasion.

Social networks are really a natural way to invite collaboration between students. I have written before of the potential challenges that may occur with a ning in the classroom. However, in the short time our ning has been open to the students involved in the Ideas without Borders project, I feel a positive 'vibe', as the students are sharing pictures and comments with each other, even outside of class time! Our school is closed this week for spring break, but right now as I write this there are three students, two Canadians and one American, using the chat feature to talk about the novel they have to read, 1984! Takes so little to make me happy these days...

I have used Voicethread to great success, if I may say so my self...no, not really. Last year I used this application when teaching peer-editing to my grade 12's. Please see Wish for an example of just how powerful student voices can be if we as educators allow for creativity in the classroom. It is important to note at this juncture that I inform all my parents as to what is happening in my classroom via my wiki. This is in addition to the F.O.I.P. And Internet usage forms that are signed by parents in the first week of school. No form, no Internet, really simple...

Wowa, long winded today it seems, and I still have one more blog to pen...well, off to see what Part Two brings...what, you thought I planned these blogs? Please...really...