Web 2.0 and Technology in the Constructivist Classroom

What does a Web 2.0 classroom look like?

 

A Web 2.0 classroom is an environment that invites students to learn in much the same way they interact socially.  As on Facebook, students share thoughts with one another via postings, blogs and shared audio/video links.  Students are able to connect with other students from around the globe and learn from a variety of other students.  They are not limited to interacting only with the students in their classroom, school, or city.  Also, in this environment, students are able to work collaboratively on group projects, research assignments, and multi-media creations.  Students are more engaged in an environment such as this because it is more interesting to them and because it’s fun!  It makes perfect sense to teach our students in this type of environment because, for our students, this type of interaction is becoming more the rule than the exception.  In order for a classroom like this to exist in a public school, however, several obstacles must be overcome.  First of all, and probably the most relevant, is the fact that school districts need to invest more of their budget dollars into classrooms that are fully immersed in technology.  What I mean by this is that the districts cannot just put 3 or 4 outdated desktops in each classroom and say that their schools are ready to offer Web 2.0 type experiences in the classroom.  There should be enough computers in the classroom that all students are able to use the computer many times throughout the day and not just for testing strategies or interventions.  If the money were to be invested in integrating the required (updated and adequate) technology in each classroom, less money would be spent on drop-out prevention programs because students would WANT to be in school.  By improving our classroom environments with the full integration of a Web 2.0 experience, our students will have a better experience at school and a much greater chance of having a successful future.

What does it mean to create a technology-rich constructivist classroom?

Any technology-rich constructivist classroom must first begin with a teacher who is excited about teaching his or her students to express their learning digitally.  It must also include the required tools to make this possible.  Each classroom should have basic tools such as an interactive white board, a projector, a high speed internet connection and adequate computers for student use.  Teachers must create lesson plans that require students to produce work through a variety of media such as videos, slideshows, audio presentations, podcasts, blogs, etc.  Rather than have students create works using paper and pencil, students should be able to complete assignments using word processors, spreadsheets, power-points, and graphic design software.  Testing, also, should be completed online and homework assignments should be available for online completion as well.  Students in an environment such as this should have the ability to interact and collaborate with other students and educators in a safe online forum.  Due to a lack of funding, however, it is quite difficult to create this type of environment in all of our classrooms.  Sadly, by the time our districts catch up with the technology of today, tomorrow will already be here.  As educators, all we can do is work with what we are given and make the most of it.  In the meantime, although it takes a lot of extra time with limited resources, the work is well worth the effort and each of us should strive to give our students a rich experience in technology.