The Future of Education Technology

In this entry I will explore three concepts: Cloud Computing, Web 3.0-Web 4.0, and Online Teaching. 

Here you have a mindmap of each:

Cloud Computing

Web 3.0 - Web 4.0




Online Teaching

What is this Blog about?

This Blog has been created as part of an Assignment on Web 2.0 tools. It will contain tutorials on five Web 2.0 tools and also one activity that can be done with each of them. The foregoing are Glogster, Penzu, Pinterest, Popplet and Powtoon.

Hope you find this useful!

Some theory!

Web 2.0 is also known as "Read Write Web", as opposed to Web 1.0, which is referred to as "Read Only Web". Thefore, the difference between these kind of webs is basically related to the fact that in the case of Web 2.0, users are very active and can generate, share and edit content, and comment on other people's meterials as well. Thus, it promotes collaborative work. 

Unlike Web 2.0, Web 1.0 users were passive and the information available was not dynamic but static. As the University of Melbourne points out, "Web 2.0 is the term used to describe a variety of websites and applications that allow anyone to create and share online information or material they have created. [...] it allows people to create, share, collaborate & communicate."


In the words of Nick Peachey, "Web 2.0 enables:

• Socialisation - Through socialisation our students can use the language and skills they are learning to build networks and develop relationships with real people.

• Collaboration - They can work together with others to construct and share real knowledge.

• Creativity - They can create genuine products, in a wide range and combination of media to high standards, that will have a real audience.

• Authenticity - The tasks and activities they do and the people they communicate with to do them are real and motivating.

• Sharing - They can share what they create and learn from each other Web 2.0 Tools for Teachers."

How to use this blog

Look at the entries and choose the one/s you want to read. The different tutorials are directly linked to their respective activities. 

References:

Peachey, N. (2009). Web 2.0 Tools for Teachers. Web 2.0 Tools for Teachers, p.3

What is Web 2.0 Technology?. (n.d.). What is Web 2.0 Technology?. Retrieved October 23, 2014, from http://www.unimelb.edu.au/copyright/inform

Activity on Glogster

This is an EFL activity that can be used with different groups of students and thus can be adapted accordingly. In this case, the idea is that, divided in smal groups, first graders create their own posters on numbers. Students should already know to count up to ten and how to spell these numbers. This is very good as reinforcement. 

Activity

You will use Glogster to carry out this activity. If you are not familiar with this tool, you may see this tutorial that will provide you with some help. 

1. You will work in groups and will be assigned one or more numbers.
2. You will create one "glog" for each of the numbers you have to work with.
3. In this "glog", you will upload a picture of the number assigned to your group and write the title "This is number..."
4. Spell that number and also add objects to represent it. Look for different pictures of that number and add them to your glog, too.
5. Be ready to share your "glog/s" with the rest of the class. You can also print the glogs and stick them on the walls of your classroom!

Evaluation Criteria

• Correct spelling.
• Correct number of objects to represent numbers. 
• Use of one "glog" for each number.
• Creativity.
• Use of the tool.

Activity on Pinterest

This is an EFL activity that can be used with different groups of students and thus can be adapted accordingly. In this case, the idea is that a group of 8-year-olds creates different boards on Animals and pin pictures that they will describe taking into account whether these are carnivores, omnivores or hervivores. 

Activity

You will use Pinterest to carry out this activity. If you are not familiar with this tool, you may see this tutorial that will provide you with some help. 

1. You have to create three different boards using Pinterest: herbivores, carnivores and omnivores.
2. For each of these boards, provide a description explaining what those terms mean and why you will include some animals but not others.
3. Once you do so, look for different animals that may be included in each of your boards and pin them. You should pin at least seven animals for each board.
   You may use Flicker so as to avoid copyright problems.   
4. You should provide a brief description of the images you pin. For example, name of the animal and why it belongs to that board.
5. When your boards are ready, share it with your classmates.

Evaluation Criteria

• Description of the boards.
• Use of vocabulary related to the subject.
• Quantity of animals in each board.
• Animals that belong to each board: reasons.
• Use of the tool.
• Mention the sources you have consulted.

Activity on PowToon

This is an EFL activity that can be used with different groups of students and thus can be adapted accordingly. In this case, the idea is that a group of 12-year-olds create a presentation on Global Warming using PowToon. Students will be divided into groups and each group will be in charge of one presentation. Then, they will share their work with the rest of the class.

Activity

You will use PowToon to carry out this activity. If you are not familiar with this tool, you may see this tutorial that will provide you with some help. 

1. In groups, you need to look for information about global warming, for example, causes, possible solutions, effects or consequences, et cetera.
2. Once you have collected the information, start working on your presentation. Include an outline so that the audience knows what you are going to talk about.
3. Include pictures to illustrate your point. Try to use pictures that also make your audience reflect on the topic.
   
4. Once you finish the presentation, publish it and be ready to share it with the rest of the class.

Evaluation Criteria

• Accomplishment of the task: create a PowToon presentation that includes an outiline as well as information and pictures.
• Relevant and appropriate use of iformation and pictures.
• Creativity to deal with the topic.
• Use of the tool.
• Mention the sources you have consulted.

Activity on Popplet

This is an EFL activity that can be used with different groups of students and thus can be adapted accordingly. In this case, the idea is that a group of 9-year-olds designs a Popplet on the reasons for learning - or not - English. They will firstly share and discuss ideas as a class, and then they will be divided into small groups. Each group will be in charge of one aspect of the discussion. This activity can be done at the very beginning of the year so as to know the students' expectations and beliefs.

Activity

You will use Popplet to carry out this activity. If you are not familiar with this tool, you may see this tutorial that will provide you with some help. 

1. After you have discussed the reasons for learning English as a class, get into  groups and deal with different aspects, such as benefits, difficulties, strategies, things you can do, et cetera. Now it is time to start creating your Popplet.
2. You and your classmates will work as collaborators so as to be able to edit and work on the same Popplet.
3. Each group will choose a colour and deal with each of the distinct aspects accordingly. You will take turns to write the popplets. You may add pictures to illustrate your points, too.
4. Once the Popplet that the whole class has created is ready, you may share it. You can print this, too, and stick it on the walls of your classroom. 
   
   

Evaluation Criteria

• Collaboration.
• Vocabulary, content and ideas.
• Use of the tool.

Activity on Penzu

This is an EFL activity that can be used with different groups of students and thus can be adapted accordingly. In this case, the idea is that each member of a group of 11-year-olds creates their own report on healthy and unhealthy food. They will look for information and pictures, write a report and ultimately share ideas with the rest of the class. 

Activity

You will use Penzu to carry out this activity. If you are not familiar with this tool, you may see this tutorial that will provide you with some help. 

1. You will look for information on healthy and unhealthy food and some pictures that represent each category.
2. Start a Penzu document and write a title that shows what it is that you are going to make your report about, for example, "Healthy vs Unhealthy Food".
3. Once you do so, you have to write about the benefits and/or drawbacks of healthy and unhealthy food and insert pictures to illustrate your point.
4. When your report is ready, share your ideas with the class. You may also print it.

Evaluation Criteria

• Research done on the topic.
• Appropriate grammar and vocabulary.
• Use of the tool.
• Mention the sources you have consulted.