Van+Meter+and+BPCHS+Web+2.0+Wiki

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Web 2.0/PLN will be an on-line and distance learning course designed to meet the needs of the 21st Century learner. It will encompass the study of how Web 2.0 tools, along with a Personal Learning Network (PLN), may assist students in their collaboration and critical thinking geared for a higher degree of thinking applicable in the global society.=====

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The Internet as we know it has been constantly changing and improving over the past several years and these changes have been so numerous and dramatic as to inspire people to refer to this "new" Internet as Web 2.0. It is characterized by open communication, freedom to share and re-use content, and dynamic interactivity among users of varying technical abilities around the globe.=====

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There are now a multitude of web-based tools available that can allow people to organize their favorite bookmarks, write online documents, and share information with others through social software like blogs and wikis. These tools can positively impact teaching and learning and the implications are significant. Students can be empowered to see how their ideas can be shared easily with others globally.=====

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Students will become familiar with and use social networking tools, such as: Blogs, Wikis, Nings, Twitter, RSS Feeds ([|Google Reader]),[| Diigo]and Diigolet, YouTube, Foursquare, LinkedIn, Skype, Flickr, Facebook, Shelfari/Good Books, uStream, as well as Web 2.0 tools, such as: photo and slideshow creators, digital storytelling tools, comic and second life tools, interactive presentation tools, graphic and personal organizers, movie creators, photo tools, timeline creators, comic creators, music/sound tools, app inventors, poster creators, along with others. Students will also learn how to use a variety of tools to assist with online learning such as conversion tools, backchanneling tools, and others.=====

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Through the study of digital citizenship, which will include online safety, appropriateness, and etiquette, students will be able to effectively communicate and collaborate with students in Van Meter, Iowa and others around the world.=====

Course Goals/Objectives

 * =====Students will develop their own PLN (Personal Learning Network) based on personal passions, interests, and future goals.=====
 * =====Student will create a blog, wiki, or website (Google sites and other tools) to record their growth and share accomplishments throughout the year.=====
 * =====Students will develop an understanding of digital citizenship which will include online safety, their [|digital footprint], appropriateness, and etiquette. Students will also learn about copyright (NetSmartz curriculum), fair use, and using tools such as [|Creative Commons].=====
 * =====Students will use various social networking tools to develop their PLN (Personal Learning Network) and digital communication skills. They will show this understanding through the use of various social networks, being an active member of their PLN, and being able to share what their PLN means to them. They will share resources in the [|Van Meter/BPCHS Diigo Group]and other combined tools.=====
 * =====Student will use a variety of web 2.0 tools to create, collaborate, and connect with others within the class and globally. They will demonstrate these new skills through projects, presentations including Web 2.0 mini Smack Downs, and conversation. The students will also be working on a Van Meter/BPCHS Web 2.0 Wiki which they will share with other students, teachers, and the world.=====

Skype Teleconferencing

 * =====Not the teacher doing the instructing, but the students in the two schools connecting during the structured time. The students will also have the opportunity to connect with the instructor and other students throughout the week via email, Skype, the Van Meter/BPCHS Web 2.0 & PLN Connect! Ning, and other online formats.=====
 * =====The students in both schools will be using vanmeterbpchs@vmbulldogs.com to communicate with each other as a group. And we will also use [|Google Group Van Meter/BPCHS PLN].=====

Assessment Strategies

 * =====We will use a variety of assessment strategies throughout the year. The instructor will use Google Docs and Forms for self, peer, and teacher assessment.=====
 * =====The blog, wiki, or website that the students create at the beginning of the year will be used as a form of portfolio based assessment. This will also be self, peer, and instructor based.=====
 * =====The students will also be creating the Van Meter/BPCHS Web 2.0 Wiki which be an ongoing, collaborative effort. They will create this wiki to share with other students, teachers, and the world.=====
 * =====The students will also be contributing to the [|Van Meter/BPCHS Web 2.0 & PLN Connect! Ning]weekly. They will contribute to discussions, post creations, and become a valued part of this community.=====
 * =====The students will contribute to the [|Van Meter BPCHS Connect Facebook] page.=====
 * =====At the end of the class students will be able to answer the question “How has this changed my thinking/perspective of the world?”=====