Final Thoughts

This course has offered a wealth of material that I will be exploring and experimenting with for some time to come. I will not be using the platforms of Web 2.0 for personal networking, because, as I mentioned in my introduction, I am fundamentally an introvert. I simply want to know what the sites offer and how to navigate them so that I continue to hone my skills as library media specialist. I want to understand the digital worlds of my students and use those worlds to enhance learning experiences.

The best thing about Web 2.0 is that the applications are free; I do not have to apply to the school administration for funding. I do not have to worry about school size for licensing agreements, updates, or whether students will not have access to the programs at home. As long as they have access to the internet, they will be able to participate.

Web 2.0 offers a certain anonymity to its students, and I am not just referring to virtual worlds like Second Life. Blogs and wikis remove the students from the classroom “stage” and allow them to contribute without having to perform before a live audience. It offers them greater time for reflection and an opportunity to share their writings with a wider audience. For students, who are immersed in the new technologies, Web 2.0 is an attractive means for communicating information and ideas.

The explosion of Web 2.0 does make my job more difficult. A basic search nets every possible source of information. Students must be able to critically and competently evaluate the information they uncover. They must be able to distinguish among fact, point of view and opinion. K-12 students have a habit of taking everything they find on the internet as gospel. Some blogs and wikis provide invaluable information, but students must be taught the need to determine authority and accuracy. The online services allow anyone to make a slick presentation and this can be very deceiving to a middle schooler.

My networking forays have not yet gone beyond professional interests and those are quite limited: seeking solutions for specific problems from library communities. I now see the possibility for all kinds of interactive projects both for students and staff. I am hoping to incorporate many of these tools into the curriculum.