New Literacies for the 21st Century

There are two great challenges for educators to overcome in their quest to make their students more familiar and adept with using Web 2.0 technologies that are currently available and those that are coming in the future. First, schools need to allow students and teachers to actually use these technologies in the school and in the classroom. My school blocks all blogs, so that effectively prevents teachers from using blogs to keep students informed throughout the day or from teaching them how to use one effectively. Schools need to be more adaptable and quicker to respond to change.

Second, teachers need to realize that, while our students keep us young and up-to-date on the latest technologies, this does not necessarily include changes on the web. Many students have little knowledge about how to set up a website, start or blog, or record a podcast. They can learn these things very quickly and easily, but typically only do so when required by a teacher for a project. Teachers need to recognize this and make sure that they take courses, such as Web 2.0 technologies, from time to time to keep themselves informed about the power and potential of the web.

In order to teach our students how to use these technologies teachers need to be willing to give their students assignments that require use of Web 2.0 tools and demand their usage. By making additional information available on a teacher-created blog or website, and making it clear that students must check these forums, teachers will make their students become familiar with these tools in a positive and productive way. There are so many different ways that teachers can positively influence their students now beyond the 45 minute class period each day. Education can become more diverse and fulfilling for teachers and students if they use Web 2.0 technologies.