Web 2.0, hmmm. I can see that there are potential benefits from a web that allows the user to create content, but isn't there also risk regarding what is created? As an example, Pearson, the textbook company that sells most of the textbooks used in US classrooms, including Austin Peay, recently posted a bogus internet website all about the endangered Northwest Tree Octopus.yahoo article Why would a major educational company do this? To support their claim that the misinformation on the internet is actually making students stupid and of course to sell more books. No one can change what's printed in a book, until it's reprinted, and of course there's a fee for that. So is free information all bad information? No. But as teachers we need to make sure our students know and understand that just because it is on the internet, doesn't mean it is true. The only way we can do that is if we have the internet in the classroom. If we teach our students how to constructively use the new interactive web it will serve to enhance their education, not 'make them stupid'.
So School 2.0 means to me: interactive education utilizing the best of all resources and media available to the students including this new interactive web. The students I will teach are growing up with this as a daily part of their lives. It must be included in the classroom.
You are exactly right about the internet. As teachers we are responsible of teaching our students how to rely on computers. However, we must also make sure they understand that not all information found on the web is accurate. You did a very good job of explaining your beliefs.
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