The Moss-Free Stone

I have had to do several projects involving putting together examples of Web 2.0 use in our district in the past couple of weeks. I thought I would share a small sampling of them here. They might inspire others to give some of the tools a try.

Blogs

Talented Texans–elementary students sharing writing. Student interaction is constructive and congenial.

History Rocks–high school students discuss social studies topics. Some really good debates in here!

Miss Ross–elementary teacher’s blog used as class portal. Lots of useful resources, such as curriculum information, calendars, instructional videos, etc.

Team Simmons–another elementary teacher’s homesite. Uses home page to facilitate literature discussions.

Marvelous Math–elementary blog used as extension of in-class math lessons and assignments. Students solve weekly problems.

Raider Nation–principal’s blog, used to share campus news and facilitate discussions for book studies and other topics.

Wikis

Reading Is Fun–wiki created and maintained by middle school, pre-AP reading class. Includes book talks, image gallery, discussion board, and more.

ACFT Science Lab–huge wiki filled with teacher and student-created resources, including photo essay on silk worm moths, student video productions, more. Also includes useful page of student use guidelines.

Tech ALT–wiki set up to record and share work of district English/Language Arts teachers trying new technologies in their instruction.

Ram Science–class wiki for 6th grade science class. Includes variety of resources, including calendar, motivational quotes, Sketchcast shows, more.

Podcasts

Tiger Reviews–elementary librarian reviews new books.

1930s Radio–middle school students writing stories/scripts and recording as podcasts, 1930s radio-style.

Binion Bobcats–elementary school’s daily news and announcements.

Readers Theater–elementary students’ stories share in readers theater style.

Mr. Winans–student-created daily news/announcements podcast.

Homework Hotline–elementary class podcast details the day’s homework assignment.

Other

Student video projects:

I have to admit, I was actually very taken aback by the degree to which the read/write web has been implemented into the curriculum of our district (This has only been a part of the conversation for a year-and-a-half!). I had only viewed it through the narrow perspective of the three campuses I have been primarily serving, and this was the first time I had truly gotten a glimpse of the big picture. Teachers and students alike have created some amazing content. The fire is definitely burning, and it should erupt into a full-fledged blaze next school year!