Web Tools for Classrooms

In today's growing technological classroom, web tools have garnered little notice until recently. As new ideas and new web tools become visible, teachers are finding new and economical ways of keeping students informed and engaged.

Wikitext, as mentioned by Dave Fontaine (2008, May), is a common Internet phenomena that is finding its way into classrooms. With the advent of Wikipedia, an encyclopedia site where readers have the option of editing and adding to the information, wikitexts have become a new way for students to get involved with learning material. "The students' additions will become a new chapter in the wikitext. Through student and teacher input, this chapter will perpetually evolve. This living, breathing document will constantly change, grow, and improve -with each and every edit-continuously benefiting from the insights, perspectives, and collective intelligence of the group," (Fontaine, 2008, May). A collective effort from students across the planet could make for an interesting perspective and educational environment.

The notion of a wikitext within the classroom is indeed an interesting idea, and one I wouldn't mind employing. Looking at the media across the planet would help students within the journalism class, and help them gain perspective of what media constraints are like across the world. It would also be interesting to see what information would be included in lay out and design for school newspapers, not only just the media information and legalities that students could learn from wikitexts.

Within the journalism class, the idea of utilizing calendar applications, such as the ones on Google, are quite an intriguing way for students to keep up with each other's articles and deadlines. "A journalism high school teacher Sitterley knew was receptive to using the tools started with Google Apps of Education last fell. Within a couple of days, her students were sharing their calendar of projects and deadlines and were also able to see who was doing what story," (Pascopella, 2008, May). This will help keep students responsible to their deadlines and learn in a classroom setting the importance of deadlines and awareness within the journalistic field. I would also encourage students to acquire a free email address, if they didn't already have one, keep students inform with each other's work.

VoiceThread is another interesting idea, which much like wikitexts, gives students the opportunity to be included in the lesson. By making lessons and presentations using the program, students can visit the site for homework and make comments about the information, as well as offer other images and videos to add to the lesson. While this may be a more informal way, it gives students a chance to speak up without fear of ridicule or insecurity of being wrong.

These web tools are effective tools for educators and students to learn and keep minds engaged. Incorporating technology in classrooms can make learning easier for teachers and students alike.

Fontaine, Dave. (2008, May). Welcome to the Age of the Wikitext. Multimedia & Internet @ Schools, 15(3), 18-20. Retrieved February 21, 2009, from Academic Search Complete database.

Pascopella, Angela. (2008, May). Web Tools: The Second Generation. District Administration, 44(6), 54-58. Retrieved February 21, 2009, from Academic Search Complete database.