Blog Post #5

     Web 2.0 tools are getting more and more popular as the internet is constantly continuing to grow. I think these tools are very helpful to use in the classroom. I believe they are useful because they allow learning to be more engaging and they give students the chance to connect with more people. I think social media sites are one tool that can be helpful in the classroom because they allow a platform for students to share their thoughts and spread messages they want to get out. Social media sites are also something a lot of students today are already comfortable using, therefore, it makes it easier to incorporate it into lessons. I also think that blogs are a good tool to use in the classroom as well. Blogs provide a way for students to get to share their thoughts, bond with their classmates, and have a chance to be creative with their thoughts.

     One type of tool that I do not find as beneficial to use in the classroom is some searching browsers. While some browser websites you can rely on, there are many that post false information. Before using these types of websites, you need to verify their accuracy and make sure the source of the information is credible. While some may be helpful, unfortunately many are misguiding and unreliable for students to use. An example of an unreliable search browser would be Wikipedia. The information posted on this site is often changed, and there is no guarantee that the information you get from it will be accurate.

     One of the most popular Web 2.0 tools in my opinion is the social networking site, Facebook (https://facebook.com/ ). Facebook has been popular for quite some time now but its possible uses are constantly expanding. Facebook allow people to connect with other people from all over the world and allows messages to be spread all over the world almost instantly. I do believe that if a teacher chooses to use social networking sites in the classroom, that there should be rules set for the students. The teacher should make sure the students understand what is and what is not appropriate behavior online. Overall, in my opinion the possible benefits of using this tool can outweigh the possible drawbacks as long as proper instruction is given beforehand.

      I believe the technology advancement that holds the biggest promise for education lies with electronic devices such as laptops. In recent years these devices have already made drastic impacts on the education system as whole. For example, because of portable computers, with access to the internet, people can take their schooling anywhere and even attend a school that would not be physically accessible to them otherwise. Having technological devices that allow us to communicate over large distances, also enables individuals who may have disabilities access at a better life, including new school and career opportunities. Another benefit of electronic devices is with items such as smartphones and tablets, you can gain access to apps that help students practice and review certain educational skills.  In general, education will be able to grow and reach an even more diverse population with the advancement of technological devices.