In November of 2007, I was asked by WVIZ to lead a discussion on emerging technology and it’s impact on educational trends at a professional development session at Euclid High School in Euclid, Ohio. The power point of this discussion can be found here.

The general points of the discussion were Web 2.0 was basically allowing the viewer of the information to manipulate, interact, and add to the knowledge base rather than viewing static, read only web published materials. Examples on the Internet are abound and growing with social networking sites like: Myspace, Facebook, Livelink, and Youtube, just to name a few. Websites are including R.S.S. feeds at an explosive pace. The tide has turned, and people are no longer surfing sites to find information as much as directing sites to bring the information they want TO THEM when they are ready to view it.

Podcasting has a growing role in the Web 2.0 sphere of influence as you can produce an entire mulitimedia program using visuals and audio that can be consumed when and where the viewer chooses to do so and share with someone without being tethered to a computer to do so and people can leave feedback with the producer through many different ways. A second consideration is the entrance level of technology expertise and expense has never been lower to allow a single person to broadcast his point of view with a global audience.

The pace at which technology adoption is happening can no longer be ignored in the everyday classroom at almost any level of education. It is a common topic of dicussion in the podcasting workshop that teachers are feeling increasing pressure to become more familiar with how to use technology on a regular basis.

We are quicly coming to the close of the 2007-2008 school year with planning taking place on how we will begin the new year starting very soon. WVIZ and I have already started discussion on how the podcasting classes will develop in the next school year. I have also begun a podcast feed for my school over spring break to continue developmet of the students I taught Audacity to over the 3rd marking period.

I would like to start a dilogue on how others are planning to use the dynamics of Web 2.0′s interaction in planning for the next school year.

  • Do you think all this fancy technology and content on demand has reached the point of critical mass as to effect the actions of our students and their educational pursits at the K-12 level?
  • Are you personally planning to make any changes in your course or position to take advantage of any of the new technology being developed?
  • Do you see any impacts of increased interaction being developed within your company/districts’ directions?

    I look forward to your thoughts!