Web 2.0 Resources/Cyber-learning is foundational to 21st century learners. Digital learning allows the students to personalize their learning, be creative and innovative, and collaborate with peers around the world.

1. WEB 2.0:AN ERAOF PROACTIVE
LEARNERS
Digital Learning to a whole new level…
By: Afshan Baqui

2. What is Web 2.0?
Web 2.0 is more advanced, innovative, and sophisticated than Web 1.0. There
has been radical transformation in the internet environment from read-only
(Web 1.0) to read-write-publish-share-connect-reach(Web 2.0)
With Web 2.0 resources and social media, you can do more like “interacting
and publishing data and information” than just “passively viewing content as
with Web 1.0 websites.”(Smaldino, p. 113)
Web 2.0’s cutting-edge technologies are more engaging, expansive, and
socialable than before. It helps with interacting and building a community at
large. There is a tremendous potential for learning and connecting with Web
2.0 resources.

3. What is Cyberlearning?
Cyberlearning is the use of Web 2.0 interactive learning tools and educational
platforms such as: Edmodo, quizlet, kahoot, google docs, google slides, etc… It
definitely enhances educational experiences for all learners.
Cyberlearning is pivotal for today’s generation because it personalizes learning
across disciplines and focuses on student knowledge, creative problem-solving,
and collaboration. There is critical-thinking and supportive learning with well-
managed environment that cultivates student engagement and independent
learning providing avenues to express creativity and originality(PBS
LearningMedia). It is crucial to developing responsible, global citizens.
“Cyberlearning has opened classrooms to a wealth of information around the
world through the Internet and social media” (Smaldino, 2015, p. 123)

4. Web 2.0 Resources
Web 2.0 tools is transforming our work. Web 2.0 tools are
online software programs allowing users to do a number
of things. They can be used to teach curriculum content,
store data, create/edit video, edit photos, collaborate and
more. These programs are often free and are used by
teachers, students, and sometimes parents, both in and
out of the classroom.

5. Continuous Strive with the new
technology…
We need to continuously strive to be 21st century educators for our very
important clients: our students, our future. The use of Web 2.0 Tools to
support instruction is vital. How we use these tools is going to make a
critical difference in how we measure our students’ success and how they
are supported to meet 21st century skill sets.
A new challenge for new technologies: Education, Awareness, Funding,
and Professional Development Opportunities

6. Web 2.0 Resource 1:
Kidblog: A very interesting site to consider…
Kidblog was designed specifically for elementary and middle school
teachers who want to provide each of their students with their own, unique
blog. Kidblog is simple, powerful tool that allows students to publish posts
and participate in discussions within a secure classroom blogging
community.
Teachers maintain complete control over student blogs!
For implementing this site in the classroom, students need the literacy
skills, the keyboarding skills, the ability to research and publish, and the
proper net discipline- being safe and appropriate. https://kidblog.org/home/

7. Web 2.0 Resource 2
Skype: A look backwards to move forward…
This web tool is an easy solution for teachers to open up their classroom and their
students to a world way beyond their classroom walls and campus.
With Skype, students can learn from other students, connect with other cultures, and
expand their knowledge in amazing ways by communicating through their computer
with a webcam.
For Skype, any handheld device such as iPad, smartphone, or an iPod, or a computer
with a webcam is essential. Besides the tool, students need to be disciplined as to
what knowledge they will share on Skype with other students around the world.
Because of the open nature of the resources, there is need for caution when sharing
personal information. https://blogs.skype.com/skype-classroom/2017/09/05/engaging-
21st-century-learners-with-skype-in-the-classroom/

8. Web 2.0 Resource 3
Storybird: Bring out your creative side…
This is a fun and easy-to-use tool for creating short, visual stories.
Students can select artwork, drag and organize photos, and add their own
text. These creations can then be published on the web with adjustable
privacy settings. There is also the option to allow comments, which is
perfect for teachers to encourage student collaboration
(https://storybird.com/ )
This is a site I will definitely bring in my Kindergarten classroom! My
students love stories! And we already create stories in Morning Meeting
Time, each student proceeding with what happens next. And now, it can be
published with pictures for all of the students around the world to enjoy!

9. More Web 2.0 Tools to consider…
Prezi: A PowerPoint presentation far more engaging and visual than
before!
Twitter: Who doesn’t know Twitter? Even our President tweets!
Dropbox: brings your files together in one central place. It is a global
collaboration platform where files, folders, and docs are created, accessed,
and shared. You can access them anytime, anywhere.
Librivox: contains a wide catalogue of free audio books. Free!
(https://www.kidsdiscover.com)

10. Challenges/Limitations:
Availability: Some interactive Web 2.0 tools require sophisticated
hardware which may not be available in all mobile technology
 Credibility/Authenticity: Since Web 2.0 tools make it easy for anyone to
post any information on different websites, not all information may be
accurate. Students need to be alerted and informed about the nature of
Web 2.0 tools.
 Safety/Security: Because of the open nature of the resources, we must
educate our students to be careful when sharing personal information.

11. Acknowledge the Technology Standards…
ISTE has developed a great set of educational technology
standards for teachers. These standards called ISTE NETS, seek
to move beyond the tool, and address the bigger picture of
technology in the classroom and in the professional practice
(https://www.kidsdiscover.com)

12. References:
Webopedia
PBS LearningMedia
https://www.kidsdiscover.com
Smaldino, S.E., Lowther. D.L., & Russell, J.D.
(2015) Instructional Technology and Media For Learning (11th
ed.) pp. 113 & 123