#5 Individual learners

I think that, comparatively, web 2.0 tools are going to be significantly more useful in the classroom then web 1.0 tools. Even the Web 2.0 tools that are for the most part passive for the student—YouTube and teacher created blogs for students to follow as mentioned in the podcast—are much more compelling. These tools are useful for finding a more creative way to present information to your class.

Some of the more interactive tools that applied to the definition of web 2.0 are going to be student blogs, Twitter, and Diigo (as mentioned in the podcast).  These tools Will be helpful for students by providing a more interesting means by which to submit work and share knowledge with their classmates.  These tools are also helpful for teacher professional development because—particularly Diigo—they can allow professionals to interact and collaborate with each other in an online setting that is directly related to creative development in their field.

             Another interesting web 2.0 tool can be found at a website called sumdog.com. This website is an educational Game source for students and teachers. Teachers can set standards and give assignments for students to complete by playing the games.  Teachers will receive progress reports for each of their students and will be informed of skills that students struggle with. Teachers will be able to select the games themselves.

 This could be a powerful tool for teachers and students as it could stimulate interest and motivation in students.  The website does require a subscription and payment depending on needs of the school or the teacher.  It allows for an interactive learning environment between teachers and students.  It can be found at this link: https://www.sumdog.com

             A technology advancement mentioned in chapter 12 that seemed the most revolutionary and effective for improving student success in education is called Lerner Analytics.  This is the gathering of data of individual students that can be used to determine what students have learned, how they learned it, and the most effective teaching strategies not just for an entire class but for each individual student.  Learner analytics will use technology to better understand how students learn and what is necessary and best for student success.

 This technology advancement seems to hold the most promise for education because of its individualistic approach to student education and its emphasis on observation to determine what works in a way that resembles the scientific method. Because all students learn differently, creating an environment that fosters individual differences will be the most successful for all students.