Teachers & Web 2.0
Besides providing educators with an abundance of online resources, Web 2.0 tools provide two crucial elements that could change education for educators:
- Professional Development
- Educator Networking
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Web 2.0 gives teachers the opportunity to participate in professional development 24/7. Not only is online professional development more cost-effective in that many development opportunities are free, but also teachers can choose topics that are specific to their needs. School or District-wide professional development is geared towards an average population, hoping to hit the basic needs of all. But what about the teacher that has mastered the topic or the teacher who doesn't have the basic skills required to grasp the topic? Just as we adapt lessons for our students in the classroom, we must adapt professional development for our educators. Online professional development opens doors to continuous and customized learning.
EDUCATOR NETWORKING
Just as our students network with each other outside of schools our teachers should network with other educators. Networking allows teachers to connect on a variety of levels and share. This connection could be across grade-level, subject matter, or position. Forums, blogs, threads, podcasts, vodcasts, and all the other Web 2.0 tools our students can/could/will/should use in the classroom should also be used by our educators. Beyond connecting for a grade or subject, Web 2.0 tools allow teachers to quickly have access to changes in standards or curriculum. They can collaborate with other educators on tools or best practices. Overall, networking offers an exciting outlet for educators that can be encouraging, causing teacher retention.
For more information on the ideas expressed here, please visit The Important Role Web 2.0 Will Play in Education.
Professional Development and Educator Networking Resources:
Classroom 2.0
Atomic Learning
Learner.org
The Teacher's Guide
PBS Teacherline
A few videos to get you started using Web 2.0 tools:
In Plain English
