Engaging the YouTube Google-Eyed Generation: Strategies for Using Web 2.0 in Teaching and Learning

Peter Duffy (2008) states “ Students today have grown up within a world of pervasive technology including mobile phone, digital cameras and the omnipresent internet.” My youngest child turns 12 today and he wants a cell phone. A cell phone! I did not receive a cell phone until I married and had my first child. Of course, I did not take a computer class until I was out of high school either.

As I began reading this article regarding Web 2.0 and the opportunities that exist today, I look around to see how the world has evolved in the Ward household. Computers, satellite TV, IPODS, MP3 players, cell phone, Wii, PS3, and Xbox360 all with wireless Internet capabilities so the boys can keep up with their virtual games. Even the family pet, Sady, has a micro chip under her skin in case she gets lost. It amazes me that technology comes so easy for them and their expectations exceed items such as VCR's, cassette tapes, and typewriters.

Technology has changed immensely since the 80's. Educators who want to engage student learning should incorporate Web 2.0 components. Duffy (2008) states “New Web 2.0 technologies and websites, such as a blog, wiki or YouTube, make new demands on learning, and they provide new supports to learning.” He goes on to say that students “expect instant responses and feedback” because they “absorb information quickly.” (Duffy, 2008) Tools such as Facebook, YouTube, Blogs, Podcasting, Flickr, and Wiki's are “strategies for teaching and learning” as long as educators are willing to learn with the students. (Duffy, 2008)

Reference:
Duffy, P. “Engaging the YouTube Google-Eyed Generation: Strategies for Using Web 2.0 in Teaching and Learning.” The Electronic Journal of e-Learning Volume 6 Issue 2, pp 119-130, available online at www.ejel.org.

Introduction

Hello all and welcome to my blog! I have created this blog to meet the requirements of the OMDE603 course at UMUC where I can post my thoughts to the required readings and receive feedback from others.

Let me begin by telling you a little bit about myself. I am a graduate student pursuing a Masters Degree in Distance Education beginning with the 2009 summer session. I work at a community college where I am the Director of Extended Education and work with DE students daily. I have enjoyed learning about technology that can enhance student learning and I am excited to bring that knowledge back to my workplace.

Outside of work. My family keeps me busy. I am a wife to a wonderful husband, Michael and have three loving boys, Brent, Jakob & Tyler. We have two adorable pets named Sady and Zoe. Each member has brought joy to my life and given me success with my educational endeavors.