“Are Free Web Tools Worth the Price?” Yes. The benefits of free web 2.0 tools far outnumber any problems that may arise from using them. It is true that often there are glitches in the programs and the availability may not be reliable, however technology is so engaging for students that even a lesson that contains a technology tool gone array can be used as a great learning moment. It is a good way to model problem solving techniques to students. In my experience in the classroom when some technology isn’t working correctly, students are eager to jump in and help to resolve the problem. If the issue is beyond repair, students are understanding and willing to listen to your lead and learn via plan B.
The main argument in the article from Teaching and Learning with Technology against the use of free tools is that educators are burdened with having to rewrite curriculum accommodate the changing and availability of tools. As discussed in Salon Five, educators use technology tools to enhance curriculum and not as the main learning objective. As educators we know that there is always multiple ways to teach any given lesson and we should always be prepared to do so.
David Warlick lists about a dozen reasons why educators should “be the trailblazers of these tools”. The three that I feel are most relevant to me are relevance and audience. As I have gotten more comfortable with using various technologies in my classroom, I feel that students are more involved and excited about lessons that have technology then with those that do not. The reason for this is that technology is a big part of their everyday life, and they are eager to see how the tool connects with the topic they are studying.
I am currently working on a blogging project with my Geometry Honors class. I have done this same project in the past using journal notebooks, and I can definitely see an improvement in the students work on the blog. Having an authentic audience other then their teacher forces some students to put more effort into the assignment knowing that their peers and other teachers will be reviewing their work.
