Blog Post 5

I think that Web 2.0 tools like blogs are very useful in the classroom and for teachers. The podcast reiterates this point by stating that teachers can make class blogs to post homework updates and other announcements. This is very useful to a classroom of busy and forgetful students. I have seen twitter used in a similar way where teachers can instantly post reminders and useful announcements to students. Twitter is extremely helpful because the student can be notified immediately on their phone. I think YouTube can also be a helpful tool in the classroom; however, teachers need to be careful because it can also serve as a distraction. Teachers should filter what students can see and view on YouTube.

Skype is a tool I never thought about using in the classroom; however, it can be very beneficial to students. Skype is a video calling software where people can connect over webcam through the internet. Students can collaborate on assignments at home over Skype and can visually see what others are doing. Teachers can also use Skype to connect with other professionals that can make a presentation to their class from a far off location. Teachers can potentially connect with professionals and other classrooms from all over the world and provide learning opportunities for their students that would not otherwise be possible.

Skype

I think that cloud computing is the technology advancement that holds the biggest promise for education. This is because of its helpful nature in regards to collaborative projects. Cloud computing is already beginning to be utilized in some schools in classrooms with more money friendly options such as Google Apps. Students could store assignments that they are working on in the cloud and access them from any location. Cloud computing can even open up the possibility of getting access to a fully functioning school anywhere, even in impoverished countries. This technology advancement will be very helpful to education in the future.