philosophy

__Personal Philosophy __ As a teacher I believe that the best way to prepare our students for the future is to focus on the integration of technology into the classroom and incorporate technologies that engage students in meaningful learning and promote innovation and creativity. (Arafeh, Levin, Rainie, Lenhart, 2003) Bridging the gap between the digital divide can often be restricted by Government Policies, Institutions AUPs, limited resources, cyber safety issues, access restrictions (filters and firewalls), privacy issues, internet speed and availability. To manage a successful transformation from the traditional classroom to the knowledge media digital environment, new technologies must be embraced by educators and not discarded. (Inglis, Ling, Joosten 2000, p27) The Web 2.0 Tool Facebook has recently over taken Google search engine as the most visited website in the world, could this be another major shift into a Web 3.0 platform that will incorporate social networking as the main educational online learning tool? There are many arguments for and against this theory but if we are to be educating students for the future, I feel as educators we need to consider the best way of integrating these tools and technologies students use as part of their everyday life to support the delivery of the New Zealand Curriculum and five key competencies – managing self, relating to others, participating and contributing, thinking, and using language, symbols, and texts (Ministry of Education, 2006, p. 11-12). Web 2.0 Tools or Web based platforms allow users to add value to online content and the recent development of Web 2.0 design patterns has certainly made this easier for the users to achieve. However, success in the Web 2.0 world relies on a successful user experience. (O’Reilly 2005) In order to make this possible in schools connectivity and interoperability issues would need to be addressed. Learning and Course Management systems can offer solutions for Educational Institutions but I feel there is still a great need for extra funding, resources and professional development for administrators and teachers if we are to see a successful transition from the traditional classroom to the digital knowledge media and witness successful integration of these new technologies across the curriculum. Using these systems and Web 2.0 Tools can help to eliminate cybersafety issues and provide a protected learning environment that can be designed and moderated appropriately. I think Web 2.0 tools have a bigger impact on student learning when used in conjunction with a Learning Management System and good pedagogy. I recently designed and trialed a web based resource with a group of secondary school students. An instructional design model was used to link prior learning knowledge to an authentic learning experience (Jonassen1934. p35). The resource was uploaded to the internet and provided a solid platform and safe environment for learning. The Web 2.0 tool that students used to complete their assignments had a huge impact on their learning and was the main contributor towards the high standard of work produced. Using the Web 2.0 tool promoted collaboration and peer assessment, it was not taught or instructed, it just evolved because of the nature of the Web 2.0 technology platform that was incorporated into the web based resource. In conclusion, I think as educators we need to develop an online curriculum and plan with a focus on outcomes which will be relevant for our students in the future. There is much evidence to support that Web 2.0 Tools and Web based resources can be used as an effective teaching resource. I also believe that when used in conjunction with a Course Management System and effective pedagogies, they can have an even greater impact on student learning. Through my online teaching experiences I have discovered that correct use of Web 2.0 Tools and a well designed Web based resource or Course Management System can raise student achievement levels and enhance their learning experience. This aligns well with the New-Zealand Curriculum Principles and Values of producing actively involved lifelong learners as well as being the vehicle for connecting the community, school and home. ** References: **  Arafeh, S., Levin, D., Rainie, L., Lenhart, A., (2003) //The Digital Disconnect: The widening gap between Internet-savvy students and their schools.// //Retrieved September 25, 2010 from the World Wide Web: // []   Jonassen, D. Howland, J., Moore, J., Marra, R. M. (2003) //Chapter 1: What is meaningful Learning? // //Learning to Solve Problems with Technology.// Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Prentice Hall, Inc. Inglis, A., Ling, P., & Joosten, V. (2000). //Delivering digitally: managing the transition to the knowledge media.// Chapter 12. A best practice framework for the delivery of online learning and new learning technology programmes. London: Kogan. 163-171  Ministry of Education. (2006).//Enabling the 21st Century Learner: An e-learning action plan for schools2006-2010.// Wellington: Learning Media. Ministry of Education (2006) //The New Zealand Curriculum: Draft Consultation: 2006. // Wellington: Learning Media Limited   O’Reilly T. (2005) //What is Web 2.0,// // Design Patterns and Business Models for the Next Generation of Software //// Retrieved August 20, 2010 from the World Wide Web: // []