Do Web 2.0 Right - L&L

Article - Do Web 2.0 Right by Daniel Light, PhD. Learning and Leading with Technology. February 2011

The author starts with the premise that "Web 2.0 tools, such as wikis and blogs, are a great way to get students engaged and motivated to practice their writing skills." It's something we've heard for years, but Light demonstrates the best practices by people already successfully incorporating these tools.

Light listed three best practices:
1. Instituting daily practice
2. Carefully considering the audience
3. Teaching and enforcing appropriate behavior

The daily practice of effective users is just what it sounds like - the teachers don't just assign it as a special project, they incorporate into the daily classroom practice, with blogs (both student and classroom) being the primary tool. Users find that it frees up communication between students, teachers and each other because of the less-threatening private nature and the better consideration given to the postings, as opposed to the more spontaneous and intimidating classroom.

Effective 2.0 users also designed systems for the intended audience as opposed to a broader one. Blogs are student-centered and use the language they use, and students are directed toward the proper resources. As additional needs arose, system access could be easily widened.

Finally, appropriate behavior is taught, modeled, and enforced. These users built true learning communities in which this technology plays a key role., so all participants are mutually supportive. Use of the tools was fully understood and regularly used, so proper communication became a natural part of the process.

What he really found was that effective users of Web 2.0 tools plan out and execute the process, making it a key component of their classroom practice. Their success is no accident; they use it every day and become expert. Teachers who want to accomplish the same ends must do the same.