Course Reflection

Although I was hesitant at the start, I am very pleased that I have completed and finalised the Web 2.0 course. It has introduced me to a range of ICT resources that I had never heard of before, such as Picasa; it has helped to clarify some Web 2.0 tools that I had heard of but didn't really understand, such as Wikis; and it has also prompted me to think about how I can more effectively use some Web 2.0 tools that I was already familiar with, such as YouTube. Furthermore, it has provided me with a range of tools that I can use when I want to collaborate with colleagues. Teaching requires so much collaboration, whether it is working on a planning document or organising an excursion. Being able to collaborate with colleagues through Google Docs or a Wiki will definitely make the process a little bit easier.

           


There are some resources that I will definitely continue to use when planning and preparing lessons - Google Docs, Scootle, Prezi and Delicious instantly spring to mind. There are some that I feel that I am less likely to use, such as Twitter and Second Life. However, I am glad that I was given the opportunity to see how those particular Web 2.0 tools can be used in education and also to get an insight into some of the fantastic ways that teachers are using them to engage students and parents in the learning process.

                        



I found the final reflection to be very interesting and a great conclusion to the course. If eLearning is about creating engaging learning environments, then we as teachers have to be open to a whole range of teaching tools. The Web 2.0 course isn't just about learning about technology. It's about discovering what tools are out there and then using those tools in a way that makes our teaching effective, engaging and relevant to our students. I liked the quote at the end of the YouTube clip, "it's not about the technology but about good learning. The technology is a tool that can be used to achieve these goals".


                             

Finally, I commented on Wendy Dean's blog in Module 6. Her blog URL is http://alideannews.blogspot.com.au/.