Chapter 6: Connecting Learners Using Web 2.0
INSTRUCTOR NOTES
This chapter addresses ISTE Standards for Teachers 3 and 5.
Chapter Goal
Understand the use of Web 2.0 resources to facilitate learning.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the chapter, students should be able to do the following:
1. Describe key functions of Web 2.0 that have implications for learning.
3. Discuss advantages of using Web 2.0 resources to support learning.
4. Discuss limitations of using Web 2.0 resources to support learning.
Chapter Overview
Web 2.0 terminologies and the types of Web 2.0 tools available to extend learning beyond the
classroom. Many online resources are identified as examples of Web 2.0 tools. The chapter
concludes with a discussion of advantages and limitation when using Web 2.0 tools in the
classroom.
Using This Chapter
students learn online safety within a student created virtual world. The students use online tools
to record their discussions. Case Study Reflection questions are also located throughout the
chapter. These questions afford your students a chance to discuss the video as it relates to the
content of Chapter 6. The second Web 2.0 project example can be found in the Taking A Look
at Technology Integration feature. Here, the authors share another story of collaboration across
Professional Vocabulary
BLOG– Web log serving as a publicly accessible journal for topic posts, newsletters, class
projects, and more.
CLOUD COMPUTING– A system in which files and applications can be synced to and used on
multiple devices across a network.
COLLABORATIVE CONTRIBUTIONS– Real-time group work in which users build the site with
content added and edited by more than one contributor. Examples include Google docs and
sheets, and Wikis.
LEARNING COMMUNITIES– Student and teacher use of electronic connectedness to share ideas,
while collaborating in real time with other users. Examples include Google Docs and
OpenOffice.
SOCIAL BOOKMARKING– Enables users to organize, store, manage, and search for bookmarked
resources online.
SOCIAL MEDIA– Mobile and web-based applications that enable users to interact, collaborate, co-
WEB 2.0- Allows users to interact with and publish data and information. Examples include
Twitter or Wikipedia.
WIKI – A web-based application that supports collaboration for writing and editing online
content.
INSTRUCTIONAL ACTIVITIES
Suggested Materials
1. Chapter 6 Classroom Case Study Video
3. Student devices with internet access
Introduction
Web 2.0 Functions
There are many Web 1.0 and Web 2.0 sites on the internet. In this section, learners will begin to
think about how these site that they frequent regularly can be used in an educational way for
their future students.
Suggested Activity. With your learners, brainstorm a list of Web 2.0 that they have used recently.
Discuss how those tools could potentially be used in the classroom.
Integrating Web 2.0 Resources into Instruction
Suggested Activities.
1. Ask learners to visit Web 2.0 Cool Tools for Schools website and select a tool to
2. In small groups, ask learners to conduct an internet search for Web 2.0 tools. The group
should agree on a tool and evaluate it based on the Selection Rubric for Software found
on page 130-131 in the text.
Advantages of using Web 2.0 for Instruction
There are a wide variety of Web 2.0 tools that can be used for education.
Suggested Activities.
1. Assign the Revel Interactive application exercise 6.2 where learners will discuss
advantages of using Web 2.0 tools for improving students’ communication skills.
2. Each student can select a Web 2.0 tool to evaluate through the creation of a Venn
Diagram describing the advantages and disadvantages of the tool in terms of education
value. Each student (or small group) can then share the tools and Venn Diagram with the
class.
Limitations of using Web 2.0 for Instruction
Suggested Activity. Research online safety.
When working with learners and the Internet, your learners should always plan for and teach
their students about security and appropriate student interactions. In recent years, television,
they can help protect their students through education about Internet security and positive student
interactions. The research could be presented as a paper, blog, or links to resources on your class
webpage.
Questions for Thought
Professional development activities for students are included at the end of each chapter. Included
in those activities are opportunities for students to reflect on their learning. You might wish to
expand their reflections by asking questions such as these:
1. In what ways can PK-12 teachers use Web 2.0 tools with mobile devices for teaching and
learning?
2. How will participation in collaborative projects using Web 2.0 tools help learners prepare for
future careers?