Internet+Applications+and+Resources




 * **Instructor:** Lori Gallerani || **Location:** Blueberry Hill Lab ||
 * **Date(s):** Oct 6, 20, 27 Nov. 3, 10, Dec. 1 || **Phone:** 565-4280 ||
 * **Time:** 3:15-5:45 || **Email:** lgallerani@longmeadow.k12.ma.us ||
 * **Website Address**: lgallerani.wikispaces.com ||

**Overview:**

Web 2.0. It is a phrase coined by O'Reilly Media in 2004. Web 2.0 refers to the second-generation of Web based communities and hosted services - such as social networking sites, wikis and folksonomies - that facilitate collaboration and sharing between users.

Technologies such as weblogs, social bookmarking, wikis, podcasts, RSS feeds, social software, Web APIs, Web standards and online Web services have led to a significant shift in the way people use the web, characterized by:

· The transition of Web sites from isolated information silos to sources of content and functionality, thus becoming computing platforms serving web applications to end-users · A social phenomenon embracing an approach to generating and distributing Web content itself, characterized by open communication, decentralization of authority, freedom to share and re-use, and "the market as a conversation" · Enhanced organization and categorization of content, emphasizing deep linking · A rise in the economic value of the Web, possibly surpassing the impact of the dot-com boom of the late 1990s

The goal of this course is to provide in-service teachers with a hands-on approach to learning how to use Web 2.0 as a teaching and learning tool to enhance student learning. Over the semester we will be developing the skills required to leverage the tools of the empowered Internet. We will also investigate how these resources can assist with the teaching strategies of critical thinking, visualization, knowledge construction, collaborative learning, problem-solving, reflection, and inquiry learning.

This course will be comprised of three major components: 1) An introduction to Web 2.0 software, as well as, online tools and resources for teachers, 2) Dealing with the ethical issues that arise as the Internet allows new and varied public interactions in the classroom, 3) And, an analysis of both practical and theoretical issues related to the use of web technology in education. As part of this process teachers will learn how to use and leverage specific web technologies such as PodCasts, Blogs, Wikis, ePortfolios, and RSS feeds, as well as, software to create web content. Students will have the opportunity to investigate online resources that can be infused into the curriculum to increase classroom productivity.

 In addition to the aforementioned activities, this course will familiarize students with the concepts outlined by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) standards. More importantly, it will help participants understand the technology covered by the standards and how to integrate it into appropriately into the various curriculum areas. The assignments will be linked to actual classroom usage if possible, teachers will be asked to design activities that can be used immediately in the classroom.

**Course Goals:**

Potential outcomes of participation in this class are: 1) understanding of how technology tools and the internet can be deployed to enhance learning and cognitive processes; 2) development of technology skills with specific software programs; 3) understanding of the specific, general, and potential uses of technology in a given educational setting; 4) a set of resources specific to your teaching.

**Suggested Reading:**

Richardson, Will. //Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts and Other Powerful Web Tools for// //Classrooms.// Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press. 2006. ISBN: 1-41292767-6

Schrum, Lynne and Solomon, Gwen Solomon. //Web 2.0: New Tools, New Schools//. Washington D.C.: International Society for Technology in Education, 2007. ISBN: 978-1-56484-234-3

**Assignments:**

Each of you will be required to complete several assignments over the course of the semester. As this list will develop over the duration of the course, it does not necessarily constitute a complete or final list of class requirements.

1 __Wiki Development:__ Students will develop a “wiki” using the website of their choice. This website will be a cumulative reflection of the resources and applications explored in class. A thorough rubric will be provided in class. 2. __Wiki Participation:__ Students will contribute to each other’s developed wikis by making at least one meaningful contribution to each wiki developed in class. 3. __Annotated Resource List:__ Students will create a list of Web 2.0 resources for classroom use. The list should contain the resource, the URL of the tool or site, and a brief description of how the tool can be utilized. 4. __Unit Organizer/Unit Overview:__ Students will use a school, district, state or content-specific template to indicate realistic and appropriate implementation of internet applications and resources explored in class in their own classrooms. 5. __Reflection__. Students should discuss the resources available to them in their school, the ability to implement dynamic, internet-based methodology, anticipated participation by all members of the learning community and a wish list that would further enhance the ability to implement Web 2.0 developments.

**Teaching Methods:**

Instruction will occur through lecture, hands-on activities, whole class discussions and student presentations.