Many consider technology a solitary activity where students simply consume information. Attached to their devices by headphones paints a picture of being enveloped in a lonely tech world where interaction is limited.
Web 2.0 and social media has redefined the way we teach and learn.The new generation of the internet is now a creative palate for users to contribute, create, and collaborate. The read-write web and its social characteristics are ideal to foster pro-social behaviors in the classroom. Empathy, altruism, and social awareness can be interwoven into lessons with technology components.
- The collaborative nature of web 2.0 tools can guide students in positive interactions with others.
- Social media, with the guidance of the teacher, can raise social awareness and contribute to the understanding of other perspectives.
- Simple video chat tools such as Skype can raise global awareness by offering students face to face time with individuals with varied views.
- Wiki spaces provided a kindergarten class a photo exchange with a school in China, allowing students an authentic glimpse of a different culture.
- Technology tools used within project and problem based learning environments can be premised on social projects and can bridge school and community.
Ed Tech 