Ahhh...The Possibilities!

When I first discovered all that Web 2.0 had to offer, I was so excited! I am certainly learning more and more everyday....I want to use EVERYTHING I find, but I know I have to narrow down my choices to the ones that will be the most useful at this moment in time. For one of our assignments, we had to search through TONS of Web 2.0 tools and choose two of them that we would use in our classrooms (very tough choice!!!). One tool that I liked in particular was OpenZine. OpenZine is a tool that teachers can incorporate into the classroom for students to construct an online magazine. Once the magazine is created, students can post it on the site for others to view and comment on. They can also collaborate with peers and share ideas. I recently finished up a "Feature Article Study" with my students. They had to create a feature article in Writer's Workshop, and then they typed it on Microsoft Publisher. With OpenZine, they could have created a title and cover to their "magazine." Instead of having a traditional publishing celebration, we could have brought out the laptops, and students could have shared their work with each other using this OpenZine tool. The students would have LOVED this idea!
Another web 2.0 tool that I would incorporate into the classroom is DoInk. DoInk is a place to enjoy art and animation, and make your own. Students can draw and animate online, as well as collaborate to share work. I am currently finishing up a Civil War Inquiry Unit with my students. One of their final task options is to create a graphic novel. Many of my students want to choose this option, but they are worried about making the pictures. I believe that DoInk will allow children to be creative with drawing, in a non-intimidating way. Maybe next year I will utilize this program to make a virtual graphic novel! This would definitely engage them and raise their interest level a whole lot!
Our next assignment was to construct a lesson plan using a Web 2.0 tool. I decided to use the program "Voice Thread" to construct my lesson around. This program is a wonderful discussion tool because you can make a slide show and students can comment by either typing their response or recording it. I think it would be neat to have students make their own Voice Thread presentations, and then have them go on to other student's sites to comment. What a wonderful way to collaborate!