Web+2.0

**__Web Technology - Learning Web 2.0__** The advent of Web 2.0 presents a new mode, means, and manner of using and interacting beyond email and web surfing. These “2.0’s” are not really a package that some tech director or librarian can purchase like software, hardware or add-on, rather it is more of a set of concepts or platforms that allow a different way to interact with the internet than a specific set of tools. Web 2.0 refers to the World Wide Web and all users; Library 2.0 refers to a narrower understanding of the users within the context of a library; School Library 2.0 refers to the very narrow understanding of the users within the context of a school. The concept relates to the way in which users expect to be able to use the tools they have available. While there are a set of actual tools associated with School Library 2.0, the way in which these tools are used is more the heart of the concept than the tools themselves. Instead of students and teachers just accessing information, they become part of the information. Users interact by exchanging or even adding to the information. Information can be discussed in places where whole conversations can take place. Students usually know more than teachers or other school professionals when it comes to the coolest online electronic tool or gadget. The trick is to stay on the cutting edge of these technologies or web tools and find ways to make intelligent, educationally sound use of them in the school environment. Employing these fascinations in educational programming will facilitate high interest for students and serves to keep faculty up to date in new teaching tools and techniques. School librarians are posed at the edge of this seemingly endless abyss, creating both a challenge and an opportunity. The good news is the opportunity: school libraries can become the hub of not only traditional information services, but also serve as the vehicle for faculty and students in utilizing and implementing new technologies and web tools. These new platforms present wonderful new ways to conduct research, promote literacy, promote reading and information literacy as well as collaborative and cooperative teaching and learning. The challenge is to find ways that help librarians, teachers and their students to evaluate, master and assist in implementing these tools into the curriculum in ways that are educationally sound. Where to begin? Several questions arise: where to find these new ideas, tools and technologies?; how to integrate these tools within curriculum?; how will these tools work with students?; who is going to find the new stuff?; how simple is this to use? These questions and more are part and parcel of the mandate (at least my personal understanding and hopefully be part of my Fabulous High School Library) of a school librarian: stay up on the latest information AND assist students AND faculty in using that information to inform and transform teaching and learning.

** *Some very helpful definitions and links to specific 2.0 sites is in the link to this word document: Definitions** : (Please note that this list is in no way definitive.) ** *An evaluation instrument for use by educators in planning to utilize 2.0 platforms and tools is in the link to this word document: Evaluation Instrument: DUE Diligence for Educators** : (Please note that this evaluation is not meant to be definitive **-** add your own questions.)
 * Some helpful __links__ to websites, blogs and videos to get started on your own odyssey into using the cool new tools and platforms available in Web 2.0, Library 2.0, and School Library 2.0:**

>  > These sites have multiple links to all sorts of interesting online stuff for teachers and students: > [|Everything 2.0] > [|Go2Web2.0]. > Excellent information about Web 2.0 and Teaching > http://3cs.wikispaces.com/What+are+some+classroom+practices%3F > > Web 2.0 used in education - links to several really good sites > http://www.shambles.net/pages/learning/ict/web2edu/ > > A wiki created by a graduate class colaboratively - shares sites AND specific information about each including classroom applications > http://ci401.wikispaces.com/
 * **[|Blue Skunk Blog]** **Doug Johnson shares insights on libraries and technology**
 * **[|TechCrunch*]** **A blog that reviews emerging Web 2.0 tools.**
 * [|**Library 2.0/Web 2.0***] **A wealth of 2.0 blog entries by Michael Stevens, former special projects librarian at the St. Joseph County (IN) Public Library.**
 * **[|Dr. Joyce Valenza’s NeverEndingSearch Blog*]** **THE** **premier school librarian shares tips and tools for School Library 2.0**
 * **[|School Library Blogs**]** **by Chris Harris, an aggregated page of top school library blogs.**
 * **[|Web 2.0] Comprehensive list of current web 2.0 sites**
 * **[|California School Library Association] A massive site that contains tutorials in ways to use School Library 2.0 platforms and tools**
 * **[|Sylvia Martinez, Generation YES Web 2.0] Learning Adventures in Technology Integration June 2007 – specific ideas and ways to implement School Library 2.0 tools**
 * **[|Tame the Web: Libraries and Technology Blog] Libraries and Technology Blog: A blog about the latest in 2.0**
 * **[|Video: RSS in Plain English] Lee LeFever gives an excellent explanation of these tools**
 * **[|Video: Social Networking in Plain English] Lee LeFever gives a brief explanation of Social Networks**
 * [|**Video: Wikis in Plain English**]**Lee LeFever gives an excellent simple explanation of wikis and ways in which they can be used**
 * Video - Blogs in Plain English - http://www.commoncraft.com/blogs
 * Video - Twitter in Plain English - http://www.commoncraft.com/twitter
 * **A cool new, new book: __Library 2.0 and Beyond: Innovative Technologies and Tomorrow's User__ by Nancy Courtney ($45) and several others are available through [|Libraries Unlimited*]** A fun interactive self-directed way of expanding your own horizons in understanding all these new modalities and literacies: http://plcmcl2-things.blogspot.com/#23
 * [|FlickrStorm] - Allows you to search Flickr for images licensed through Creative Commons, you can download images and save as an html page. For districts that block images searches this is an alternative for teachers to search and provide images to students for use.
 * [|Voicethread] - Allows you to upload pictures and add voice or text annotations
 * [|Slideshare] - Easily share your PowerPoint presentations online.
 * [|Bubbl.us] - Online brainstorming application
 * [|Flixn] - Easily record video (podcasts, lessons, etc.) with your webcam.
 * [|Springdoo] - Create audio and video email messages. (multiple uses as part of Universal Design for Learning)
 * [|Flashmeeting] Plan an online meeting with others from around the globe, all you need is a web browser, an internet connection, web cam and a microphone. During the meeting one person can broadcast at a time and others can contribute through chat.