Web 2.0 Inventory

Identify three Web 2.0 tools that can be used in a particular grade/subject area and apply one tool in the context of instruction.  

• How would you use this tool in your classroom? 

• Describe the application, implementation, and assessment of the tool in the classroom context. 

• You may use video or presentation tool to demonstrate the use of at least one Web 2.0 tool.  Include images, video and narration to illustrate how this tool can be effective for instruction.

• Post your presentation or video clip on your blog and respond to at least two of your colleagues with feedback as to how you might use this tool in your class. 

Part 1: Tool Inventory

In this section you should share three tools that you could use in your classroom for your grade and subject area.  For example you might use online gaming to allow your students to practice basic mathematics facts.  

Part 2: Application of One tool

Now you will select one tool to describe in detail.  

1. Explain specifically how you would use this tool including the steps you will take to implement the tool in your classroom and the context in which students will be using the tool.  
2. Describe how you will assess student learning as a result of the tool.  For example in the previous example you would describe the online gaming site and how students will use it.  State the process for having students practice the game.  You would explain how the game will be introduced and what students will do while playing.  You might assess the students by having them record the number of facts they scored correctly and write a reflection on their achievement.  You might also follow up with a basic facts test.  

Part 3: Presentation of Web 2.0 Inventory

You may create a Prezi, video cast or another means to share with your colleagues your inventory and tool.  Your presentation should include how to access the site, images or video clip to demonstrate how the tool can be used.  Your may also include, directions for instruction, criteria chart, assessment or rubric that would be used during implementation.  

Assignment 1.2: School Site Technology Inventory

It is amazing to think that technology resources can differ from one site to the next regardless of the district, demographics and socioeconomic status.  Technology resources might be abundant at one school and scarce at the next, all within a 5 mile radius. 

Resources are available but not always visible. Teachers should do a technology inventory to determine what is available at their school site.  It is easy to assume resources are not available the challenge for teachers is to determine what is available and implement a plan to use it. 

The purpose of this assignment is to help you become familiarized with the technical resources available at your school site.  You will want to familiarize yourself with the technology policies prior to using technology in the classroom. Get ready to talk to your principal, technology specialist, curriculum supervisor, mentor teachers and colleagues to learn what is available for you and your students.

You will want to summarize your findings in two ways: 

1. Create a spreadsheet or table to list the school inventory.  You can create a key to rate the quality of resources available and the location of these resources. 
2. Summarize your findings in a presentation tool like Powerpoint or Prezi.  You can embed the table in your report. Create an audio recording of your report and address each of the numbered points below.  If your school does not have the resources then report this as well.   

Where should you begin? 

1. Classroom Inventory:

• Computer(s): size, year, model, accessories (cd drive, video camera, audio).
• Software availability and version: MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, AppleWorksteacher and student computers, printers, Elmo, overhead projector, etc.
• Internet access and limitations: speed, functionality, uses, privacy.
• Attendance and Grading tools for teachers, parents and school personnel
• Resources such as Smartboard, electronic curriculum resources, clickers, Elmo, etc.
• How do you access data/test scores?

2.  Student/School Inventory:

• List specific instructional software: games, typing, sketchpad, 
• Access to internet: computer lab, library, lab top and IPAD
• Computer and lab tops: Where do students have access? What is the student/computer ratio? How often do they have access? What is the process for getting access to the computer/internet
• Other technology: projector, doc camera (ELMO), printer, scanner
• How do students view videos?

3. District Policy & Procedures:

• Does the district have a technology department? How do you report and resolve technical issues/problems? 
• Can you access Web 2.0 tools at your school? Are social networking tools available? What is the process to receive access to blocked sites? 
• Does your district have an internet/computer policy that must be signed by parents before students can use the computer/internet? 
• Does your school district have a website and can your students access a teacher website or blog? 
• Do students have access to email and can they create a blog? 
• What professional development is available for technology use?

4. Action Plan:

• List at least 5 ways you would use these resources in your classroom instruction? 
• What are some of the challenges you might encounter for using technology in the classroom? 
• What are some possible solutions you might develop to overcome some of the technical challenges at your school site? 
• What is a personal goal you have for learning or implementing technology in the classroom?

Assignment 1.1 Blog Assignment Overview

Part 1: Instructions to Blogging: Click here to watch a video about creating a blog.

1. Create a blog using Blogger and post the URL to get to your blog on the "Pathway to My Blog" topic area under the Discussion 1.1 tab.
2. Click on Options and be sure you have checked "allow"  for Reader comments to enable posting to your blog.
3. You must post a comment to at least two of your classmates' blogs for each blog assignment. This will be especially helpful to build your "Web-based Toolbox" for classroom instruction.
4. Complete your blog assignment in your blog by the due date in the Course Calendar.
5. Your instructor will go to your blog and grade your blog entry.

 Part 2: Create a Blog Post

1. Read the Course Readings and Review the Videos for Week 1. 
2.  Identify at least four standards that you see evident in the Videos and Readings for this week. 
3. Create a "New Post" and share your ideas of evidence of the four standards. Be sure to include citations to support your ideas. Reflect on how the instructional approaches for integrating technology support student learning and include your analysis of the instructional approach. 
4. Share how you might apply this approach in your instructional practice. 

 Part 3: Classmates Comments

1. Return to the Discussion 1.1 tab and review classmates blogs.  
2. Click on the Comments button which appears at the end of the post.
3. Your post should reflect an understanding of your classmates ideas.  You should respond to the evidence provided thoughtfully.  Substantive posts should be at least 5 sentences and may include a critical thinking question to further the discussion.

* Post Questions Related to this Assignment in the Virtual Office or Student Lounge.

* Refer to the Assignment Rubric tab for grading.