EDTK 2030 Information and Communication Technology
Web 2.0 tools for the development of higher-order thinking skills
The use of Web 2.0 tools for the development of higher-order thinking skills.
Web 2.0 tools such as blogs, podcast and wikis, have been improved to allow us to create, share and edit on line content through collaboration using the internet, which have allowed for the growth of higher-order thinking skills to develop more in the classroom among students and teachers.
What is ‘Web 2.0 tools’?
When it comes to educating our selves there is no limit especially using the web,“education can better position itself if it focuses on a pedagogically more honest approach enabled by technology: enabling individual growth and learning.” (2006, p.http://tommarch.com/ceqall/) .Web 2.0 tools are on line applications such as blogs, podcast and wikis. The blogs, podcast and wikis have been around for some time now but now they are much more improved and allow the student and teacher to be able to collaborate and communicate more using the internet. The features of web 2.0 are improved versions of previous web applications. Using the web 2.0 tools in the classroom can help to break down learning barriers as it relates to communication and making things clear relating to various topics taught in the classroom, so that students can be able
to develop their higher order of thinking skills.
Blogs, podcasts and wikis can help to develop higher order thinking skills?
Blogs when they were first developed they were just basically on line diary entries people would make. It has been improved to the point where persons can make an entry and others can comment, which allow a smooth flow of communication. Teachers are able to help their students more outside of the classroom using blogs for example a teacher can present a topic in composition and post pictures or videos on the topic. Her students can view the pictures and videos and make their comments. Comments can be made back and forth to help students understand the topic more in order to get their written activity done on the topic for their composition hence also learning and getting ideas how to present their work. By using blogs knowledge is exchanged and developed.
A podcast is audio conversations that are created digitally using the internet. Podcasts allows for one person to be able to pass on massages to many other persons. It can also be used with blogs. So for example if a teacher wants to explain something specifically to hers students, she can make a podcast and post it and hence they would be able to listen to her explanations. Also a podcast can be accessible using any device, so one can be anywhere listening at anytime. With the use of this type of web tool students are less frustrated about topics they are learning in schools and hence developing more interest in their school life. Once one is understanding and gaining success in what they are doing in school/class, learning becomes fun and hence thinking is developed and expanded.
Wikis are web sites about specific topics, which are created by a number of persons. For example a teacher can set up the wiki and make some entries about a topic and then lets her student add information to develop the topic more using various headings/ guidelines. If a child does not fully understand what they topic is a bout by being able to view the entry of others, he or she can gain ideas and hence develop his or her own understanding in order to be able to add his or her developed information towards the topic. Wikis also works well with older student when they have group work to do. Each one can do their piece and hence help others who are struggling to correct/edit their mistakes and add other useful information. So wikis also help for knowledge to be developed and hence critical/higher order thinking skills are used and develop in figuring out how to use and get things done via the web/internet.
Web 2.0 tools provide interactions with the students and teacher through communication and sharing among the students themselves outside of classroom time. By learning from each other and sharing information new knowledge is developed and higher order thinking is expanded. Web 2.0 tools can be used in any subject areas especially to help with extra examples on various topics for homework for example’ problem solving, reflection, and cooperation’ (Fogarty & McTighe, 1993). The sky is the limit with the use of web 2.0 tools in the classroom for both the teacher and the students.
References
March, T. (2006, 15/8/08). CEQALL - learning in a Web 2.0 world. from
.com/ceqall
Fogarty, R., & McTighe, J. (1993). Educating Teachers for Higher Order Thinking: The
Three-Story Intellect Theory into Practice.Teaching for Higher Order Thinking,, 32(3), 161-169.
Tytler, R. (2004). Higher Order Thinking: Support Reading for EME244/502 (pp. 1-7):
Deakin University