Web 2.0 Tech in the Classroom

My buddy Steven just sold his company for oodles of cash. Guess what product his company produced? You guessed it, interactive school websites with web 2.0 technologies. Steven actually tested some of his products on me and my classes and used my feedback to help shape web applications. Don’t get me wrong: I’m not taking any credit for his success. I’m simply telling the story of how I was introduced the world of blogging, wikis, and interactive class websites.

The first tool I used was a chatting/blogging tool designed to get kids reflecting about content. The set-up was impressive and negotiated many of the complaints and fears that teachers might have about online student interaction. First, the only people with access to the blog are students who you invited and accepted. Second, student names only appear as pre-set characters such as Purple Panda for each other, but the teacher can instantly see student identities. Two other features really set this tool apart: (1) By marking and rating each others comments, students could build credibility and award status for their online identity. Alderman (2003) discusses how truly motivating feedback is contingent upon both effort and performance, and this chat tool takes advantage of that motivational opportunity. (2) If a teacher chooses, teachers from around the country and employees from Stephens’s company can approve student comments for publication on chat pages, so the need to review every comment for appropriate content is reduced.

Here in lies the crux of the matter. Do you as a teacher have time to review these comments? I don’t, but that’s my fault because of the way I use this tool. Right now, I use these tools as non-essential extensions for students to explore at home. The fact that other people can review comments for publication makes this chat tool work for me. I know that I’m not using this tool to its potential yet, but I also know what I need to do to get there. To maximize its potential, I need to bring it into the classroom. As an in-class tool, this program offers the opportunity to inspire writing, provide a unique format for co-operative learning, and make sure that all students have an equitable opportunity to participate. In-class use also provides a chance to model excellent participation, provide scaffolding for struggling students, and make sure that kids push themselves intellectually.

So where’s the beef? Try out afterclass.net if you don’t have web tools built into you school website. Let me know how your in-class chatting and blogging works.