1 Web 2.0 Tools in the Classroom Mission - Framingham State ...

Web 2.0 in the Classroom
PRDV 74320 Online: 1.0 Credit
Instructor: Joanne Najarian
Email: jnajarian@fsu.edu
The term Web 2.0 was never clearly defined and
even today if one asks ten people what it means one
will likely get ten different definitions.
According to the Wikipedia, “Web 2.0 a phrase
coined by O’Reilly Media in 2004, refers to a
supposed second generation of Internet-­‐based
services — such as social networking sites, wikis,
communication tools, and folksonomies — that
emphasize online collaboration and sharing among
users.” 1
Course Description
Web 2.0 in the Classroom participants will learn to apply cutting-­‐edge Web technology to keep their
classroom informed, updated and in touch with the read-­‐write web! Participants will explore the latest
(and free), Web 2.0/social networking Internet resources that can be used in all curriculums. This course
will provide practical advice and numerous examples of how these web-­‐based technologies can be used
for learning and teaching. Participants will use Web 2.0 tools to manage and develop student centered
lessons that allow them to create, collaborate and connect with the world community.
Course Goals
• Develop a list of web-­‐based tools for the purpose of raising student motivation to learn
• Realize the importance of starting to teach content production to your students
• Establish a list of ethical standards regarding decisions about sharing what is produced (copyright
issues, Creative Commons licensing, etc.)
• Select examples of how other educators are using Web 2.0 tools in the classroom connect with
other educators who provide a virtual support community as they begin to implement new
practices
• Create classroom ready projects for classroom use
1 en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Web_2.0

Course Objectives
This course is designed to introduce learners to Web 2.0 tools in which content is created, shared,
remixed, repurposed, and passed along. Learners will explore Blogs, Wikis, Social Bookmarks, Podcasts,
and other Web 2.0 tools to enhance their students’ learning experiences. In addition, learners will
incorporate 21st century skills as they relate to teaching and learning.
At the end of this course, learners will be able to
• Identify how the use of Web 2.0 tools can deepen learning and increase student
engagement
• Explore and utilize Web 2.0 tools
• Identify how Web 2.0 tools support a student centered environment
• Assess and apply best practices in the use of Web 2.0 tools
• Create a Blog and Wiki for personal and/or professional use.
Course Requirements
The course is designed as a collaborative four-­‐week online learning experience. Course material is
arranged in modules and should be viewed in the order listed. There is no textbook to buy. All material
is posted on the University eLearning platform -­‐ Blackboard. The first two modules are open when the
course begins. The last two will be made available after the second week. Students may expect to spend
three hours each week participating on the discussion board, posting to a private Journal or class
collaboration space, and reviewing course material. As a final assignment students are to build an
assignment which incorporate Web 2.0 technologies that meet all learners in their classrooms.
Grading Criteria
Grades are recorded in the course grade book on a weighted points system. Students may view their
progress using the My Grades Tool listed under Student Tools. The orientation activity, posts to the
discussion board and class collaboration are all included in the Participation grade. Students are also
expected to post weekly private reflections to a Blog and submit a written assignment as the final grade.
ASSIGNMENTS POINTS
POSSIBLE
PARTICIPATION
Introduction (Who is in the room? Blog Post)
Discussion Board Posts
Class Collaboration (Wiki)
REFLECTION
Reflection (Blog Post)
ASSIGNMENTS
5
10
10
25
50
WEIGHTED
GRADE
25%
25%
50%

Course Expectations
Participation in all assignments and course discussions is required. If you anticipate being away during
any part of this course, make plans to have access to a computer connected to the internet. Late work is
not accepted.
Participants are also expected to have basic computer skills, know how to search the web, understand
how to send an email and attach a file, and have basic file management skills. A fairly new computer
connected to the Internet works best with Blackboard and familiarity with the learning management
tool is also advised.
If you are new to Blackboard or online courses, please review the Blackboard student tutorial or
download the PDF file before you begin the course. By logging into Blackboard, you agree to the
university Acceptable Use Policy, which also covers academic honesty. To become more familiar with
this policy click here.
Essential Question
How can educators design a learning environment using Web 2.0 tools that makes connection with,
supports, and engages our digital generation students?
Course Schedule
CLASS ORIENTATION: Who is in the room? Using Wordle (wordle.net) create a word
cloud to tell the group about yourself. You can include your favorite color, food, book,
anything that let’s us now about you. Post your Wordle on the Group Wiki
Class Orientation – Getting Started Quiz and Course Introductions
Module 1: So You Want to Use Web 2.0 in Your Classroom?
Objective: Deepen your understanding of Read/Write Web and how it can support all
learners in your classroom.
Participants will explore Web 2.0 to curate resources and information, through
social bookmarking such as Diigo and Symbaloo.
Reflection: What is a 21 st century classroom and why is it important that we
connect with the digital age student?
YouTube Video: Web 2.0
Discussion Board: What exactly is Web 2.0 tool and how can they be used in
education? (Write your own definition of Web 2.0 using ideas from the readings
and videos). What will classroom instruction need to look like in order to help our
students become productive 21st century citizens?
Links:
• Teach Web 2.0
• Blogs, Wiki's, Podcast, and Web 2.0
• The Complete Web 2.0 Directory
• Top 10 Reasons for Using Web 2.0 in Learning

Assignment: We will be using Diigo and Symbaloo to share and curate bookmarks.
Setup a Diigo Social Bookmarking site (http://www.diigo.com/education) and
Symbaloo (http://www.symbalooedu.com/). Once your accounts are setup share your
link with the class in the discussion forum.
Module 2: So what are Wiki’s all about?
Objective: Explore Wikis and identify how they are used as collaborative tools for
learning
• Investigate and analyze Wiki sites
• Create your own Wiki
A wiki is one type of Web 2.0 tool that can be used in education. Take some time
to review the wiki video and resources below. After you are done reviewing the
resources you will need to follow the directions and post a comment at the
bottom of this page.
Watch this video to learn what a wiki is – Wikis in Plain English
How educators are using wiki's? Look at the link below to see some ideas.
50 Ways to Use Wikis for a More Collaborative and Interactive Classroom
Assignment: Create a Wiki either through Wikispaces.com
Don’t forget to request an educator’s account (Find a tutorial in Course Resources). You
will be using your Wiki not only as a collaboration tool, but as a tool for delivering
instruction. This is where you will showcase your lesson that incorporates a Web 2.0 tool.
Reflection: What ideas do you have for using wiki's in the classroom with
students?
1. What safety concerns might there be when using this type of tool?
2. Are there any questions that you still have about this type of tool?
Group Wiki – Answer the Question -­‐ What role does a wiki have in the 21 st century
classroom?

Module 3: Adding Voice to Your Classroom -­‐ Podcasting 101
Objective: To explore audio Web 2.0;
At the end of this session, learners will be able to:
• Define and describe a podcast and vodcast
• Locate and describe at least one educational podcast
Podcasting is a way to distribute multimedia such as music or speech over the
Internet for playback on computers or mobile devices. The implications for
education include students’ being able to replay the audio of traditionally
delivered information such as a lecture or a set of project assignments to review
or catch up. Students can create their own podcasts (both audio and video) as a
way of showing concept mastery, reviewing notes, reflection, or keeping track of
projects due. Podcasting is another step in having information that is portable and
user-­‐selected.
Voicethread
o How to create a Voicethread
o Voicethread in Education
Podcasting
o P is for Podcasting
o Top Tips – 50 podcasting ideas for the classroom
Assignment:
1. Create a simple Voicethread explaining the use of Web 2.0 tools in the
classroom
2. Create a podcast to share with the class on a topic of your choice. Below
are some ideas:
o A book talk
o PSA on something that you are passionate about
Reflection: How can you, as the teacher, utilize Podcasts/Vodcasts to facilitate
student learning?
Discussion Board: How do you think the students in your class can use
Podcasts/Vodcasts to more deeply understand an instructional concept?

Questions
Module 4: Web 2.0 -­‐ Presentation Tools
Objective: Participants will explore Prezi Presentation and create
Prezi
o Prezi Tutorial: Getting Started
Final Assignment: Signup for a Prezi account at http://prezi.com/prezi-­‐for-­‐
education/
Create an your first Prezi presentation on blogging in the classroom. Use the
readings and video’s below to create your presentation. Post your presentation,
Wordle, Podcast and Voicethread to your class wiki.
Blogs: To Motivate Writers and Encourage Communication
Blogs are tools for writing instruction. From brainstorming to organizing to writing,
revising, and peer review they can motivate and engage even the most reluctant
student. Our students become engaged in sharing, communicating, and
exchanging ideas on a larger scale. The readings this week will highlight the many
ways in which classroom blogs can motivate learning and enhance
communication.
YouTube Video: Blogs in Plain English
Reading:
o Digital Discussions: Take Your Class to the Internet
o Blogging 101
Wrap-­‐up: Post additional questions to the course Corner Café discussion board.
If you have general questions or need assistance, post your comments to the Class Café discussion board
of the course. You may also send an email to jnajarian@fsu.edu contact me by phone,
(781) 369-­‐5125, Google Talk joanne.najarian or Skype: jo.najarian. Questions will be answered within 24
to 48 hours. Office hours are by appointment.
About your instructor: Joanne Najarian is the Director of Digital Learning for Andover Public Schools.
Accommodations
Framingham State University offers equal opportunities to all qualified students, including those with
disabilities and impairments. The University is committed to making reasonable accommodations as are
necessary to ensure that its programs and activities do not discriminate, or have the effect of
discriminating, on the basis of disability. Academic Support serves students with learning and psychiatric
disabilities as well as students with visual, mobility and hearing impairments.
For further information about this, please visit the website at: http://www.framingham.edu/center-­‐for-­‐
academic-­‐support-­‐and-­‐advising/disability-­‐services/index.html or contact Ms. LaDonna Bridges, Director
of Academic Support/Disability Services, in the Center for Academic Support and Advising (CASA) at 508-­‐
626-­‐4906 or lbridges@framingham.edu.

Copyright
The course website may contain copyrighted materials that are used in compliance with U.S. Copyright
Law. Under that law, materials may not be saved to your computer, revised, copied, or distributed
without permission. They are to be used in support of instructional activity as part of this course only
and shall be limited to the duration of the course, unless otherwise specified by the instructor or owner
of the material. You may only download or print materials at the direction of your instructor who knows
which materials are copyrighted and which are not.