The web is virtually everywhere.The machine doesn't teach us ideas, we teach the machine; we are the web.
Web 2.0 is interactive, information sharing, user-centered design and collaboration on the World Wide Web.Darcy DiNucci (1999) used foresight when she predicted how much the web would change. She purported that the web as we knew then was only the embryo of what might develop. The web would become an ether through which interactivity happens.
This prediction was evident in the way the student used multiple interactive methods to 'seek' expert appraisal of her work. She tried to make contact with a scientist in Australia via email and when that failed; she resorted to contacting an American scientist. It was evident that as John Battelle and Tim O'Reilly had intended, she definitely knew how to use the web as a platform for harnessing and creating ideas, pictures, text and videos.
Bart Decrem, founder and CEO of Flock aptly named Web 2.0, 'the participatory web'. The 7th Grade student lends credibility to the idea. Her page, so neatly arranged in educational and social networking sites, reeks of participation. She stated in her video presentation, that you had an obligation to get your work done. The only choice you had was when to do it.
Although heavily criticized, Web 2.0 seem to be surviving the test of time. Andrew Keen's book Culture of the Amateur', argues that the core assumption of Web 2.0 - that all opinions and user-generated content are equally valuable and relevant - is misguided. If this was the case; where would our 7th grade student be? She is showing the world and the many critics out there how valuable the Web 2.0 tools can be, even to a young student. She used the tools responsibly and intelligently and has managed to enhance her learning. She is a 'dream' student. A high quality performer who has taken Web 2.0 tools to another level.
However it would be remiss of me not to mention the teacher who is not very adept with technology. She would be terrified to have this student in her class. No paper / pencil? How untraditional! This student would be a joy to teach despite the technological challenge she poses.Welcome to the high tech era of Web 2.0 tools in motion.
I concur with your views. Web 2.0 is "surviving the test of time." I am happy that you sought to mention the teacher that may be overwhelmed by this type of technology for that is a fact.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, this child is definitely a "dream" student, but alas I can dream...
I agree with you Janet. I would love to have 15 students like Wendy in my class. She is intrinsically motivated, and students like these seems rare these days. She is definately a "dream" student. She speaks a lot about directing her learning and knowing when to do what, prioritizing her work. She is well focussed. She is technologically savvy as we would say. Her presentation really contradicts what critics say about web 2.0.
ReplyDeleteLook at it this way my friend, the critics have to criticize but it our job to prove them wrong. Indeed she has. Web 2.0 is more than tools used by amateurs. There is much interaction and participation,what we need to see in our classes as educators.
ReplyDeleteWhile I was watching the video my own child was "hypnotized" he was glued to the computer screen. This was an eye opener for me. This little girl has motivated me to implement technology with my students that I teach and also my own child. Very soon our classrooms will be filled with computer/technology wizzards!! Let us continue to expand on the little that we know so that we will not be left in the "dark".
ReplyDeleteWhile I would feel a bit intimidated by this student, I also see her as a dream student. She would force me into web awareness! I must say that having in a class would be very beneficial to both of us.
ReplyDeleteI thoroughly enjoyed your post...full of interesting references regarding aspects of the web.
ReplyDeleteI tend to agree with some of your core assumptions regarding both the value of the web for learning and the issues of traditional teachers. yet, I continue to try and push myself not to just accept that everything Web 2.0 is wonderful. I started a new book last night that troubles me...which is precisely why I started it. It is YOU ARE NOT A GADGET by Jaron Lanier. Lanier argues that accepting the wisdom of the crowd and networked learning depersonalizes and dehumanizes all of us. Not sure I agree, but I want to reflect on what he has to say.
Janet, your introductory sentence is a pivotal one. No matter how vast the web gets "We are the Web". We(humans)are the one that come up with the concept of the web and all the "fandangles" that have followed.
ReplyDeleteAlso, sometimes we need to ignore what the nay-sayers are saying and just do what needs to be done for the benefit of our students and this 12 year old girl effectively utilizing Web 2.0 is a perfect example.
As teachers, I am happy we are participating in this class as it gives us another feather in our cap that we can use to help our children learn.
Dr Watwood,
ReplyDeleteI'm assuming that Lanier believes the web is dehumanizing us? In a way I tend to agree as sometimes some of us get so caught up that we completely ignore our human side. Typical example text messaging and instant messaging as opposed to writing letters and posting them to our friends; and then we wonder, why can't we write a good introductory letter for a job application? Food for thought. Will appreciate your sharing some thoughts as you read. I'm going to see if I too can find that book. Seems like a good read.