Blog #2

Part 2 of  Leading 21st Century Schools goes over the vast variety of web 2.0 tools and how to use the effectively in the classroom. Some of the tools include Google docs, wikis, podcasts, virtual field trips, blogs, and web quests. The chapters went over the different ways these tools can be utilized in all the different content areas. I especially liked the way Schrum and Levin discussed the use of Web quests with social studies. I remember making a web quest when I was in Edlt 115 way back in my freshman year of college. I remember thinking that this was a pointless activity. Now that I look at how much technology has been integrated into the schools. I realize that my professor was simply trying to prepare us for what was soon to come. I have tried to use web quests in my classroom, but with the limited technology I have it is difficult.

As I was reading about all these amazing and innovative ways of getting information across to our youth I began to think. Schools are constantly changing and the ways of instructing students have to adapt and morph to go along with what is current and most beneficial to the students’ learning processes.

I began to think that this may mean that in the future a very different method of schooling is in store altogether. It seems like the idea and utilization of online learning has become more and more prominent. I wonder if the traditional school schema is on its way out and more online and distance based learning is on its way in. I have noticed that it is required for all high school students in Las Cruces to complete an Advanced Placement, Dual Credit, or Online class in order to graduate. I think that this push toward online learning is a great way to get students to try something different. However, I am not sure how I feel about a completely online high school. I realize that the implementation of online high schools is something that may or may not be in the distant future, but I remember when the idea of video conferencing was also in the distant future.