Thing 2 – Thoughts about Web 2.0

I am not a “digital native,” though I consider myself to be a fairly early adapter.  And I am not intimidated by the technology itself.  But I have to admit that after reading David Warlick’s article, I was a bit overwhelmed.  If technology is employed in the ways he suggests, then I can see how Web 2.0 will not only be the Future of Education, but the future of humanity.

I know that sounds overly dramatic.  But if you think about it, Web 2.0 is all about making connections.  Connections with people who might share similar interests and goals.  Or with people who have differing opinions.  These connections are forged in a manner that at first seems distant and disconnected.  But it seems to me connecting without concern for distance, physical appearance, class status, etc. can be somewhat liberating.  If done conscientiously, it could allow folks to cut through the superficial and engage in open and honest sharing of ideas, thoughts, and opinions.  Folks would be forced to think about how to effectively communicate ideas in real time with the written or even spoken word, to others around the world who may or may not share their point of view.  Ideally, this could lead to greater understanding between those who might, at first glance, seem to have nothing in common.  I know that this sounds a bit naive, but I do think that if we as educators can engage our children in this practice early we might be able to set them on a more constructive path.

I have seen this most recently in my participation in a project created by Kim Cofino, a 21st Century Literacy Specialist at the International School Bangkok in Thailand.  She and her team created a project for 5th graders around the world to share their thoughts about moving up to 6th grade.  Using www.voicethread.com, she encouraged students from schools around the world to record and add their comments to a slideshow that asked three questions; what they were excited about, what they are anxious about, and what they all might have in common.  My fifth grade students were excited to add their thoughts, and were pleased to see that they had many things in common with students half way around the world.  It is my hope, that with continued practice, my students might start to look first at what they have in common with these children in Thailand, rather than look for their differences.