Ashford 2: – Week 1 – Assignment

Critical Thinking Questions

After reading Chapters 1-4 of Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts and Other Powerful Web Tools for Classroom, you will answer the following reflective questions that will require you to think and respond critically. In a 2-5 page paper, address the following questions using specific examples from your professional experience and cite the book when possible.

Chapter 1

According to Richardson, what movement have we seen over the last few years on the web that has led to Berners-Lee’s original concept of a Read/Write web to be realized?

What are some of the changes we must make in our      education system to expand the classroom walls?  The web 2.0 is pushing us to remember that learning is      a social construct. The saying “I think, therefore I am”, is      being replaced with “We think, therefore we are”. However, many      educators still operate in a more linear progression of learning. How can      we engage our students in a more non-linear, collaborative, participatory      learning environment?  What is the difference between a blog and a wiki?  What are some of the ethical and safety considerations      educators must consider when developing web-based learning opportunities? 

Chapters 2 and 3

What are some of the educational advantages of weblog      vs a website?  List some of the pros/cons of the potential uses for      weblogs Richardson mentions, i.e., E-Portfolio, Online Filing Cabinet,      Collaborative Space, Journals, etc.  What are some of the ways weblogs can enhance writing      activities? What are some of the ways weblogs can be used across      curriculum? 

Chapter 4

In what sense has the quote by Jimmy Wales, Wikipedia      founder, come true?  “Imagine a world in which every single person on      the planet is given free access to the sum of all human knowledge. That’s      what we are doing.”  What does the word “wiki” mean?  In today’s digital world, students can access      information, and create it, with a click. However, not all information      found and created is accurate. How can we help our students become      critical consumers of information?  List some types of collaborative learning activities      that can be driven and enhanced through a wiki.  How did Vicki Davis at Westwood High use a wiki to      connect her students in Georgia to the world? 

Carefully review the Grading Rubric for the criteria that will be used to evaluate your assignment.