There are many benefits of using ICTs in the classroom. One way of examining these applications is to use the 8cs.
Communication
The ability to communicate synchronously and asynchronously with a range of technology tools both locally and globally is a powerful use of technology. Not only does is broaden the scope of information sources for students but it also allows for the idea of 'anywhere, anytime' learning with students being able to go beyond the the traditional sources of information to authentic, and often 'real-life' sources in the form of experts. (Blogs, Microblogs such as Twitter, Skype, email, Chat etc)
Collaboration
Online tools can assist in the process of collaboration between students in inquiry learning and co-creation of content knowledge and products. Collaborative brainstorming tools and working platforms allows two or more students o share knowledge and expertise from anywhere in the world. This provides a powerful adjunct any learning program. (Wikis, blogs, discussion boards, shared spaces such as Padlet
Connectedness
Connecting what is already known by students to new knowledge is more easily achieved with the new suite of technology tools. "Mashing' ideas and mediums together is also providing a new multi-dimensional way of exploring, and creating information products while the use and re-use of information is prevalent in programs such as Twitter and through content curation programs such as SCoop.it and Pinterest.
Community of Learners
The web provides a powerful platform for individuals and organisations to create communities of like-minded learners. There are now opportunities for students to find and access a multitude of learning communities to support their individual learning needs. The learner can now take responsibility for their own learning.
Convergence
The term 'mashup' is becoming a common one describing how many separate technologies are now merging or converging into a single multi-modal product. Web platforms provide many opportunities for this to occur where they combine, text, images, sound, video, blogs and other interactive forms etc al in the one space.
Contextualisation
Many of the technology tools that are available today have a generic application (ie they can be used across many disciplines for many purposes). It is important however to identify those tools that can be applied to a specific context of learning discipline or their use will vary according the context to which they have been applied.
Cloud Computing
Cloud computing refers to the storage of computer data in an 'online' learning environment and not on a specific computer or on-site. The advantage of this type of storage is that a person can access it anywhere, anytime regardless of the computer they are on (as long as it is connected to the internet). Another advantage of this form of data storage is that multiple persons can access the data simultaneous;y which supports the collaborative nature of this form of data storage. While there are concerns about the safety of data stored in this manner it is still becoming a very popular service with more a more cloud storage services appearing regularly. the two most popular at this point in time would be DropBox and Google Drive.
Cost-Free
Many Web 2.0 tools available online are cost-free (or close to free). This means that individuals no longer have to be caught in the trap of software licence upgrades unless the software they require is specialised and cannot be accessed through these Web 2.0 platforms. In some instances the free versions have a basic level of functionality that then is increased once a registration has been made. It is worth exploring the free tools however, and often what you would need in an educational context can be found in a free version of selected tool.
Adapted from: Solomon, G., Schrum, L. (2009) Web 2.0 how-to for educators. Vic. Hawker Brownlow.
Communication
The ability to communicate synchronously and asynchronously with a range of technology tools both locally and globally is a powerful use of technology. Not only does is broaden the scope of information sources for students but it also allows for the idea of 'anywhere, anytime' learning with students being able to go beyond the the traditional sources of information to authentic, and often 'real-life' sources in the form of experts. (Blogs, Microblogs such as Twitter, Skype, email, Chat etc)
Collaboration
Online tools can assist in the process of collaboration between students in inquiry learning and co-creation of content knowledge and products. Collaborative brainstorming tools and working platforms allows two or more students o share knowledge and expertise from anywhere in the world. This provides a powerful adjunct any learning program. (Wikis, blogs, discussion boards, shared spaces such as Padlet
Connectedness
Connecting what is already known by students to new knowledge is more easily achieved with the new suite of technology tools. "Mashing' ideas and mediums together is also providing a new multi-dimensional way of exploring, and creating information products while the use and re-use of information is prevalent in programs such as Twitter and through content curation programs such as SCoop.it and Pinterest.
Community of Learners
The web provides a powerful platform for individuals and organisations to create communities of like-minded learners. There are now opportunities for students to find and access a multitude of learning communities to support their individual learning needs. The learner can now take responsibility for their own learning.
Convergence
The term 'mashup' is becoming a common one describing how many separate technologies are now merging or converging into a single multi-modal product. Web platforms provide many opportunities for this to occur where they combine, text, images, sound, video, blogs and other interactive forms etc al in the one space.
Contextualisation
Many of the technology tools that are available today have a generic application (ie they can be used across many disciplines for many purposes). It is important however to identify those tools that can be applied to a specific context of learning discipline or their use will vary according the context to which they have been applied.
Cloud Computing
Cloud computing refers to the storage of computer data in an 'online' learning environment and not on a specific computer or on-site. The advantage of this type of storage is that a person can access it anywhere, anytime regardless of the computer they are on (as long as it is connected to the internet). Another advantage of this form of data storage is that multiple persons can access the data simultaneous;y which supports the collaborative nature of this form of data storage. While there are concerns about the safety of data stored in this manner it is still becoming a very popular service with more a more cloud storage services appearing regularly. the two most popular at this point in time would be DropBox and Google Drive.
Cost-Free
Many Web 2.0 tools available online are cost-free (or close to free). This means that individuals no longer have to be caught in the trap of software licence upgrades unless the software they require is specialised and cannot be accessed through these Web 2.0 platforms. In some instances the free versions have a basic level of functionality that then is increased once a registration has been made. It is worth exploring the free tools however, and often what you would need in an educational context can be found in a free version of selected tool.
Adapted from: Solomon, G., Schrum, L. (2009) Web 2.0 how-to for educators. Vic. Hawker Brownlow.