Really Using Web 2.0

This will be a multi-step post of things to do.

First, you need to watch this video.  It’s not your typical 2 minutes YouTube fare.

Hopefully, that’s one of the most inspirational 11 minutes you’ve spent online.

So, what are the implications?  After all, you or your school have a website.  It may be just a template with your school colours but you’re on the web.  You’re telling your parents and your students your staff list and bell times.  If that makes you feel good, then you need to next read this post from George Couros.  It’s entitled “Don’t use 2.0 technology in a 1.0 way“.

Maybe, it’s time to step away from the keyboard and think this through carefully.

As a basis for a discussion, I’d like to consider the classroom instruction “I want you to do a Powerpoint”.  Is that even 1.0?  Well, you could be using your SkyDrive account.  And, if this is a class on how to use Powerpoint, it might be appropriate.  But, is the real instruction “I want you to create a presentation”.  That sheds a whole new light on the discussion.  Your third step is to read this post.  8 Unique Online Presentation Tools for Students.  I know that I read somewhere that someone found these “# ways to” as being lazy.  Maybe it’s time to think that it instead, multiple offerings could serve as a vehicle to open a lot of doors.

Is it necessary that students know all 8?  No, but what if they did or could or would given the opportunity.  Maybe they would find a tool that is more attractive to them or more suitable for the delivery of their message?  What is the ultimate expectation – that students create a Powerpoint presentation for their presentation or that students create a presentation for their presentation?  What does opening the door to other web2.0 technologies offer?  Easy integration of media for their message, online collaboration with their friends, sharing and feedback before, during or after the presentation.  Does it not make sense?

So, let’s head back to your or your school’s web presence and think about George’s thoughts.  Does it take you where you need it to go?  Is it just a dispenser of information?  Or, is it more of a conversation?  Think about your classroom activities.  Do the same principles apply?  I think that George’s post should really make you think and wonder just how effectively you are using things?

John Seely Brown will appear as a keynote and panel discussion member at the ECOO Conference in Richmond Hill in October.