Collaborative Web Tools in Education

     
        There are many things I have learned through this class. The Collaborative Web Tools in Education course, EEND 676, has simultaneously helped me on my growth as a teacher and on my knowledge of educational technology tools.
        The class activities and the course assignments have contributed to the improvement of my career as a teacher. The class reflections and the discussions online have expanded my understanding about how I could apply the collaborative web tools in the classroom. Hearing another teachers’ experiences and knowledge, I learned about multiple ways of incorporating web collaborative applications in the classroom and how various Web 2.0 tools can be used for similar purposes. For example, Padlet, Blogs and Social Media Networking can facilitate discussion forums and collaborative group projects. The discussions also have raised my awareness in stressing the importance of digital citizenship expectations to students, parents and myself. The collaborative web tools are meant to be used for enhancing digital learning by being responsible, respectful and safe.
        In regard to the growth on my knowledge of educational technology tools, I would say that through this course I have learned extensively about collaborative web tools. For instance, I found the module resources from week three very beneficial for my understanding of the web tools in the classroom. Navigating through the diverse Web 2.0 tools, I saw how the Web 2.0 applications promise the redefinition of teaching and learning toward more collaborative and communication models. I also gained knowledge about the different Web 2.0 categories available. As illustrations, I can mention some of the categories such as Blogs with applications like Blogger and LiveJournal, and Media Sharing with applications like Flickr and Teaching with Flickr Wiki. Another digital learning skill that I acquired during this course was learning how to assign collaborative tasks through the Schoology platform. I like the way Schoology as a Learning Management System (LMS) compiles many components that I need available for preparing my lessons. For example, Schoology in addition to its social media features, it takes me into the core state standards, district pacing guides and resources for teachers and students. In other words, it was worthy to explore into the Schoology LMS.
        In summary, I would say that I found this course a positive for my personal and professional growth. It opened many opportunities for me in areas I had not spent a great deal of time in before. I would look forward to continuing to apply what I learned. All in all, a good course and one that made me think as well as made me want to pursue this technology.