Web 2.0 and mLearning

Teaching in the 21^st century can become very confusing to some! Today, instead of textbooks and encyclopedias, schools are focusing on using web 2.0 sites and mobile learning. According to Shelly, Gunter, & Gunter (2012) web 2.0 sites are, “web sites that allow users to modify Web site content, provide a means for users to share information” (p.485).  As a teacher, web 2.0 sites can be very beneficial. They can provide teachers with lesson plan ideas or classroom management techniques, while allowing other teachers to add their comments or ideas as well.  Schools are also using mobile learning techniques in the classroom which can be defined as, “a type of learning that incorporates the use of cost efficient, lightweight, portable devices such as smarthphones or tablet computers” (Shelly, Gunter, & Gunter, 2012, p.474). To incorporate mobile learning, also known as mlearning, into schools many teachers are implementing a program called bring your own device (BYOD).

Programs like web 2.0, mobile learning and bring your own device are starting to gain ground in education because there has been positive benefits observed in the classroom. The first, and probably the greatest benefit in my mind is the impact it has on student participation and interest in learning. Everyone knows these days many kids have cell phones or facebook to communicate with their friends, so why wouldn’t they be excited to use them in school? Students learn to use their devices for learning purposes and not just the social aspect that many of them are used for in daily use. Students are so familiar with technology and how to use it so why not give them the creativity. With the use of technology and these programs, students have the freedom to express themselves and learn at the same time. Web 2.0 sites allow students to participate in blogs, share documents and information with other students (and teachers too!), and video chats/conferences. These programs are teaching students skills that they will need in the future, for their careers, along with improving critical thinking and problem solving skills. They have observed positive effects of using these programs in classrooms but there are also challenges.  

The biggest challenge school districts are facing when thinking about incorporating programs like this in the classroom is putting a policy in place. Making sure that ALL students are using web 2.0 and mobile learning properly and safely while individually learning seems like a huge responsibility on the teacher and school. Unlike BYOD program, where students bring their own devices to school, what about the cost of the technology if schools are going to provide them? The cost of first purchasing, training teachers and then fixing/replacing these items may cost school districts a lot of money. Classrooms are lucky to have three working computers in their classroom right now, think if each class had a set of iPads or iPods.  

In my opinion, if school districts can find a policy that will work for these programs to be used in schools, do it! Students are already knowledgeable of technology, so why not embrace and use their strengths. Some may feel that these programs will just become the past, but I believe that technology is here to stay and is a very important skill to know. We know too, that in the future these skills will be more needed in the workforce.

Reference:

Shelly, G.B. , Gunter, G. A. , & Gunter, R. E. (2012). Teachers Discovering Computers Integrating Technology in a Connected World (7^th ed.). Boston, MA: Course Technology.