Chapter 9 Web 2.0-New Schools

I liked the main idea of this chapter, "What Should We Expect From New Schools?"

Our schools today are already dealing with the new virtual learners. Kids are learning from games that allow them instant feedback and the satisfaction of achieving new levels and awards when they invest their time on line with motivational learning levels. Recently, my 7 year old grandson spent the night and asked if he could use my computer for a math game. I sat with him and found this web game intriguing as you had to build bridges and connect paths in order to get to the next level. We worked together and only reached level 7 after one hour and there were 20 levels of difficulty. Why did my 7 year old grandson keep at it? He was motivated by the challenge and the instant feedback. My point is that how can teachers compete with this? We must incorporate the advances and advantages of using Web 2.0.

Teachers are overwhelmed by normal duties and often do not have the opportunity to be trained on the technology available at their schools. Why have the computers and programs if most of the staff do not have the comfort zone or the knowledge to incorporate the use of Wikis, school libraries,flickr, etc to their lesson plans. In some cases teachers do not have computer access in their room and they get to go to the computer lab once a month.

Until the funds, training and importance of "Virtual Learning" is recognized by the community, only selective schools, teachers and students will be part of New Schools!