Let's+Talk+2.0

//Let’s Talk 2.0// is an article written to change the ways in which teachers guide students to use internet resources effectively. The article points out that we should go above and beyond the basic powerpoint presentation or simply using technology. Rather, we should strive to get students (and ourselves) to work more creatively using Web 2.0 resources to their fullest potential.

The authors observe that “wiki” for example, can be a very resourceful 2.0 tool for students to maneuver on their own or collaboratively. Even blogs can be used as a means to get students to write and receive constructive feedback from each other.

I hadn’t even realized, that I have been using Literacy 2.0 in my classes already, as each of my students have been set up on a blog. In their blogs, they write weekly updates or reflections on assignments and give and receive feedback to each other. I also use it as our class updates or homework class page. Students really seem to enjoy this extra aspect of the class and it’s very easy to do.

All in all, this article mainly suggests that we guide students to take the wheel and utilize 2.0 tools available out there. Not only does it enhance technology skills, but literacy as well…and it’s fun!

Ilse Craft

One article that was assigned to me was //Let’s Talk 2.0.// This was of particular interest to me, as I have been in the technology field for over 10 years. About 6 years ago, we had to keep up with the latest news on web 2.0 and that’s all I heard about…this great coming. And now we are here. We had to upgrade our version of Blackboard this year for one reason…to be compatible with other web 2.0 applications. Now all web-based software applications can talk to one another very easily due to this new platform. For example, without any developer programming, someone can post something on Twitter and that same content can be pushed out to Facebook and LinkedIn, all with one entry.

Now going back to literacy, this article made me think of //Harry Potter// written by [|J. K. Rowling]. Well, the story goes she wrote this the old fashion way…legal pad and pen. The content was her sole creation without any help from others.

Web 2.0 is just the opposite of this. It is all about user-generated content created in collaboration with others. This is a whole new way of thinking about writing and even reading. User-generated content can come in the way of making a comment after reading an article in the newspaper. Someone can post on Twitter news while it is happening, sometimes even before the newspapers know about it. This is a total change in our culture and how we have operated for many, many years. We always waited on the newspaper or TV to get the latest breaking news. Not any longer.

Other user-generated collaboration can come in the form of writing. I for one use the []. Not only does this software allow one to learn the specialized writing techniques for writing a script, but perfect strangers with similar interest can actually collaborate on the storyline. Did we ever think this concept would ever be possible and acceptable? It makes me wonder if J. K. Rowling had participated in such concept, how would the Harry Potter storyline have been different? She said that she may not write another book. But why not open it up to a user-generated collaboration for her next book and see what happens?

I do see this user-generated concept benefiting the creative force in our students. What a fun project for a group of kids to write a screenplay. They have to think about when a person walks in the door and the physical setting, even camera angles.

Of course, anything that is good makes money, right. And copyright is always an issue. I mean, if I write a screenplay, open it up for suggestions or collaboration and then someone steals my storyline with grand success, I may very well be upset. Hollywood is so competitive and cut-throat.

The article does mention that Literacy 2.0 (web 2.0) does not do well, with book reports, test questions and reading tasks. Those are things done individually and not in a collaboration environment.

Jamie Cunningham

RESPONSE:

Jamie,

Your post is so pertinent to today's collaborative culture. It truly makes me wonder if this shift will have to take a completely direction when it comes to unique ideas, personal reports and papers, test taking, etc. Collaboration is a wonderful thing, but at what point is the individual responsible for creating something on their own? Is this a skill that is still necessary in today's world or is it a skill that will become extinct? What do you think? I'm not sure.

Thanks for sharing, Jenni LaBrie