Journal #4

Storytelling in the Web 2.0 Era
By Glen Bull

The article begins by talking about how Web 2.0 (which is technological advances and user participation facilitated by these advances) is giving people the opportunity to connect socially and participate together in new ways. The article then discusses how the Web can now be used as a platform, how it also is producing user generated content (examples being MySpace, YouTube, etc…), allowing sharing and remixing, and contributing economic and educational value. Next, the article cites YouTube as an example of all four of the previously discussed trends. The article then talks about Alan Devine, who because of the diverse Web 2.0 tools available, produced the same story using 50 different Web 2.0 storytelling tools. Levine also lists many tools he feels can greatly help educators. For example he feels Slideshow Tools, Timeline Tools, Mapping Tools, Comic Tools, Scrapbook Tools, Media Tools, and Mixer Tools can all be of great value for teachers. Lastly, the article discusses how due to budget constraints it is hard for schools to get teachers and students certain software. The Web 2.0 tools however are almost always free, and since they can be accessed on the web with some imagination and determination they can be integrated into any classroom.

Questions:

1. What are some Web 2.0 tools I could use in my class?
If I were teaching social studies I could use a mapping tool to help in the course content. The fact that I would have the ability to set things up chronologically would be a great tool to take advantage of in my class. In fact the article talks about Xtimeline, which is a mapping tool that could this exact function for my curriculum.

2. What is the most exciting thing about Web 2.0 tools?
In my opinion the most exciting thing is that Web 2.0 tools are essentially free, and therefore if one takes the time and effort to try and integrate them as educational programs they can be extremely helpful. The fact that as a teacher I know that Web 2.0 allows me to access tools I can use to create better and more diverse learning opportunities for my students. The main benefit is that it requires only the time and effort to figure out ways to use it in your classroom.