My Experience with EDU-515: Web 2.0 Tools for Educators

I always encourage my students to become life-long learners.  I myself, never stop learning and reflecting, striving to become the best possible teacher I can be.  This summer I had the pleasure of taking an online graduate course about Web 2.0 tools in education.  In the class, we learned about what Web 2.0 tools are, explored specific Web 2.0 tools, and developed projects using Web 2.0 tools.  The class has helped me reflect on my delivery of instruction and encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone to prepare new teaching materials.

Highlights Of The Course

One of the most effective aspects of this course was the required weekly discussion posts.  While they were required, I found myself reading every post thoroughly and enjoying interacting with my peers online.  We were able to interact and share ideas with one another, discuss advantages and disadvantages of certain tools, and inspire each other to use tools in new, unique ways.  My peers gave me ideas on how to innovate my classroom through these posts, that I would not have otherwise thought to do.

In addition to the weekly discussion postings, I found myself pushed out of my comfort zone when asked to create projects using Web 2.0 tools.  I created a Pinterest page, a blog, and a WebQuest,  all of which I would have been hesitant to make on my own.  This course was able to help me create these through effective scaffolding.  We would read articles, watch videos, and discuss with one another.  Once I had received all of the necessary information through many formats (articles, websites, videos, discussions), I felt comfortable creating these on my own and am proud of what I have created. 

One of my favorite exercises of the course was creating a blog.  Designing my own blog page allowed me to be creative and take ownership of my project.  I was able to design the layout of my blog, create a logo for my blog, and write my first blog post.  I enjoyed the process and feeling of accomplishment when this project was completed.

Surprising Outcomes Of This Course

I found myself pushed out of my comfort zone when asked to create projects using Web 2.0 tools.  Never did I imagine myself writing a blog, and enjoying  it!  In education, we tend to gravitate into certain content area groupings such as STEM or humanities.  I notice as a teacher that some students are more successful in one grouping more than another.  Being in the STEM field, I grew up being successful in and enjoying STEM subjects more than humanities.  Initially, I was anxious when asked to create a blog because I never felt as confident in my writing abilities as I did with my math, problem-solving skills.  I also never enjoyed writing as much as I enjoyed solving math problems, but I have new-found confidence after completing my blog project.   When I completed my blog project, I had a sense of pride that I have never felt before with my writing.  Not only was I proud of my writing, but I had fun writing it as well.  Maybe it was because I was writing using a different medium.  I am not sure, but I am grateful to have been pushed  out of my comfort zone.  Without this course, I would have never known how much fun writing a blog can be!  

Effects Of This Course On My Teaching

After writing my blog, I realized that there may be students who were similar to me; who need a different medium to feel confident in their work.  Web 2.0 tools could be the medium that these students need to be successful in my math classroom.  This course has inspired me to use Web 2.0 tools to enhance my teaching, but not use them exclusively.  I feel that there are many benefits of using these tools in the classroom including collaboration among peers, interactive learning, and being able to present the material in a way that caters to multiple learning styles.  Web Quests are one tool I would love to incorporate, so that students can explore concepts on their own, but in a structured setting.  I plan to incorporate Web 2.0 tools into some of my future lessons, so that students can experience the benefits and develop a better understanding of mathematical concepts.  

What Could Have Been Done Differently…

There are not many things I would have changed about this course, because I did think the material was thought-provoking and useful.  I would have liked for all of the links in the modules to work because some of the links were no longer available.  In addition, while I did enjoy the act of blogging, I do not know how to easily incorporate it into my math classroom.  I would have enjoyed learning about more Web 2.0 tools that could be easily brought into a math classroom, such as Web Quests.

Would I Choose To Participate In A Discovery Program Like This Again?

I personally believe that a perfect teacher does not exist.  I feel there is always room for improvement as information and the world around us changes.  It is important for us, as teachers, to reflect and modify our teaching, so that future students can benefit from all we have to offer.

Through this course I have learned about Web 2.0 tools and created materials that I can use in my classroom immediately.   The information was relevant, useful, and thought-provoking.

For both of these reasons, I would participate in a discovery program such as this one again.  I would be able to continue my education, improve my teaching, and learn information that is relevant and useful to my career.