What is Web 2.0 and why do I care?

Welcome Tech Academy Teachers!

Please find information about web 2.0 resources. These resources can be used with colleagues as well as students. On this page you will descriptions of web 2.0 and tools. Also you will find examples of how you can use these tools both personally and professionally. Web 2.o is known as the 2nd generation of web development and design. It is the progression from a time that Internet communication was one way, with the user primarily receiving information to two way communication and interaction on the Internet through the evolution of collaborative tools such as social networks, wikis, blogs, shared documents, RSS (really simple syndication), Nings, widgets and gadgets. If you know what any of these tools are or currently use one or more you are already in the mix and have your own "web presence". If you don't see information about one or more Web 2.0 please comment. Check out this link to the Web 2.o universe of tools and applications: go2web2o.net try not to get lost! Do you currently use any Web 2.0 tools personally or professionally? How? Which do you recommend? If you don't currenly use any Web 2.0 tools which are you interested in exploring and why?

What is a Wiki?

A wiki is a collaborative tool that can be obtained for free or features added for a small fee. Wikis can be used by teachers and students to create and present class projects. The wiki allows multiple users to edit the document and changes appear to all editors in real time. Wikis can be public or private. There is no limit to the number of wikis on a Wikispaces account. Visit Wikispaces.com and follow the on line instructions to get your wiki on.

RSS - Really Simple Synidication

RSS or Really Simple Syndication provide connections to information that is constantly updated such as news, blogs, audio, and video. An RSS feed can be added to any Web 2.0 tool by clicking on the RSS symbol in the web address bar and following the given steps for that particular tool.

There is a UTube for Teachers!

Most of us know of video sharing through use of UTube. There is a video sharing site specifically for teachers. TeacherTube.com features videos created by teachers for classroom use, professional development, and for pure entertainment. Check it out!

You are a blogger!

A blog or web log is a tool that allows the owner to post his or her ideas and get comments from other bloggers. There are thousands of blogs addressing thousands of topics and interests. One suggested site for educators is "Edublogawards". Blogging in the classroom can include having students respond to teacher posts and questions or even create their own posts for comments from classmates. To set up Personal and professional blogs for free visit www.blogger.com, and follow the on-screen directions.

Google

I'm sure everyone has heard of and probably used Google. It is a website, search engine and so much more. Everyone is highly encouraged to sign-up for a Google or at least a gmail account. To do this simply go to google.com and inthe top right corner you should see sign-in or sign-up for an account. Click there and follow the on-screen directions. The benefits are tremendous: you can create, share and edit in Google docs, you can create customized searches for your students, create blog pages, share photos and so much more. Google docs are one of the most useful tools, look below for a presentation on Google Docs that was also created in Google Docs.

How To Get Started in Diigo...

COMMON USES for "Diigo"

1. Personal Research Tool
2. Collaborative Research Tool
   
3. Tools for Knowledge Sharing
4. Source for Social Content

Go to the Diigo website www.Diigo.com

1. Near the top right hand corner you will find the link to "Join Diigo".
2. Download the Diigo Toolbar
   
3. Create an Account (username, provide your first and last name, provide your email address, and choose your password).
4. Set up your profile page
5. After you set up your profile, you can begin bookmarking
6. The Diigo Toolbar permits one-click bookmarking, highlighting, commenting.
7. To fully experience the social aspect of Diigo, you may want to participate in a few Diigo Groups.
   
8. Click on the “Communities” link in the navigation menu at the top of the page. When you do this, you will be taken to the Diigo Groups page.
9. It's a simple process that starts with clicking the big blue button that says “Create a new group”.
   
10. After you name your group, you will be able to invite individuals to join your group. The individuals that you invite do not need to be current members of Diigo, but they will have to create a Diigo account before they can accept your invitation.
11. To "Bookmark," click on a specific website
12. Click "bookmark," click "Add to Link," and "Share to a Group"
13. Click "Save"