Web 2.0

Web 2.0 is about collaborating, teamwork, access to information, and problem solving. Web 2.0 tools can be used to solve problems in a variety of settings including education. As a special education teacher that teaches in a self-contained middle school classroom, and is responsible for all subject matter standards for 6^th-8^th graders in my class, as well as teaching social skills and behavior modification, my time is extremely valuable and limited. Web 2.0 tools such as those listed below can help keep me organized, save time, and provide instant access to suggestions and information for problem solving. In fact, I have a solution for my school that will save all of the teachers and administrators time, help facilitate our professional learning community, and provide instant access to suggestions from other teachers to help teachers solve problems they are having in their classrooms. Unfortunately, this tool is a Web 2.0 tool called Ning. Ning is blocked by my school district because there is a total ban on social networking sites in my county. Please see blog post number two for more information on this.

Web 2.0 tools that I like:

http://www.wiziq.com/teaching-online/#Teach%20and%20Earn

This is a free online virtual classroom. You can join the premium version to accept payment for online classes that you teach. You can teach classes and use most of the tools with the free account. I would like to use this tool to offer after school or weekend remediation to my students that will not otherwise receive this because of the cost and transportation issues surrounding after school programs at my school.

http://www.classlet.com/

Free online assignment submission and grading platform. This is a program similar to FSO that can be used to provide feedback to students and their families on assignments.

http://www.geevu.com/Community/post/Welcome-to-GeeVu!.aspx

Free online assignment submission and grading platform. This is a program similar to FSO that can be used to provide feedback to students and their families on assignments.

http://www.myschoolog.com/

Online schedule, calendar application, and information organization tool for students.

http://www.xtranormal.com/watch?e=20090806220143403

Link to my classroom rules movie made with Xtranormal. My county blocks this video that I have created. I would like to use this site so my students can create social skills movies and vignettes to use in class as we practice social skills and use character education. I know that this site will engage my students.

The blocking of many Web 2.0 tools by school districts is very distressing to me. Please see blog two for more information on this subject and learning 2.0.