Can You Hear Me Know - Blog #6

I think the implications for using the tools available online are growing more each day. I hate to say this, but before this class I had never had heard of a wiki or jing. They were not difficult to use and now I can’t wait to find more ways to work them into my lessons. I was amazed to find out how long some Web 2.0 applications had been around. They can be applied to projects such as compiling a textbook for a class to a student building his own portfolio. I think what is preventing us from making more changes is a lack of knowledge of these tools and how these tools can be used in our classroom. We need a way to add variety in our lessons is presented and keep the students motivated to learn. I know this particularly true in my own case.
If I could wave a magic wand I would put a set of laptops in each classroom, offer more training on how they could be used, and instantly take the fear out of educators who want to know more about technology but are afraid to change. I know I asked for three things, I guess I got carried away. Technology in the world and in the classroom is just the way of the future and the kids are already in tuned to this technology. Our job as educators is to keep up with the changes in technology and at the same time combine them with lessons to interest and keep our students at the center of learning instead of ourselves.