Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts and other powerful web tools for classrooms
Web 2.0 classroom applications August 10th, 2007Many of the people reading this are familiar with the works of Will Richardson. He is a well-known edublogger who advocates the implementation of the Read/Write Web into classrooms. I consider him the authority on this subject. He authored the book Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts, and Other Powerful Web Tools for Classrooms, which I consider to be my bible for 21st century education. If you haven’t picked up a copy, I highly encourage you to read it. It’s a great primer for teachers who want to use these awesome technologies but do not know where to begin.
In his book, Will takes the time to carefully explain the pedagogy behind these new technologies. He uses easy-to-comprehend language to describe the technical process of getting started with these applications. Most importantly, though, Will explains how these technologies can support higher-order thinking, collaboration, critical literacy and innovation. In other words, he writes this book as an educator, not an IT wiz. The book is certainly not about using the Read/Write Web because it is cool and fun. The book is about using the Read/Write Web because it has proven educational benefits.
Will Richardson is the man! I will definitely go out of my way to see him speak someday. (He’s coming to Australia later this month, but he won’t be anywhere near me. Doh!) Until then, I read his Weblogg-ed blog and keep his book by my side for quick reference when I need creative inspiration.
August 10th, 2007 at 7:48 pm
Can you believe I haven’t read this book yet!!!
How did you get your copy? did you order it over the internet or download a pdf copy etc.
I definitely want to get my hands on this!
Cheers, Rachel
August 11th, 2007 at 12:07 am
I got mine on Amazon and paid the big bucks to have it sent to Australia. There may be some local book sellers in Australia and NZ that sell it. It’s definitely worth getting a hold of.
August 12th, 2007 at 8:42 am
I agree with you about Will’s book being the bible of 21st century education. I’m assuming most of the people who read his book are educators who are into educational technology. I think it’s important that we (meaning the people who have read his book) spread the word to educators who are not yet on board with all the Web 2.0 tools Will discusses in his book and on his blog.
September 6th, 2007 at 6:31 am
My copy of this arrives tomorrow….. guess what I’ll be doing in the weekend!!
*** excited ***
September 18th, 2007 at 1:54 pm
I just read it this last weekend, and my head is now filled with ideas…well, parts of ideas. The only part I’d take issue with is in the intro, where he talks about our students being ‘digital natives’ — I don’t see that so much. I teach high school in Arizona, at a newer school where all the kids have iBooks, we have no textbooks, and the whole campus is wireless. I’ve had some amazing experiences with the technology, had some great teaching moments and seen some great learning…but I still have students who don’t know how to save a Word document, let alone manage RSS feeds. Being able to text message and cobble together a Frankenstein’s monster of a MySpace site is a far cry from being able to work effectively on a computer and online.
Regardless, I’m looking for other educators out there who are interested in discussing and sharing ideas…stop by my blog and drop me a note.
jdg