Are Free, Web 2.0 Tools Worth It?

Are free web 2.0 tools worth it? In my opinion, the answer is unequivocally, yes. Do you need to have a back up plan if it starts to act unpredictable? Yes. Should you have a back up plan before you do anything technology related? Yes. Should you revise your whole curriculum to work around a web 2.0 tool? No. Should you use a web 2.0 tool if it enhances your curriculum? Yes. I think the “yes’s” have it….

Free Web 2.0 tools can begin to level the playing field of technology access. Nothing needs to go before the school board, nothing needs to go before a curriculum council. As long as you have internet access, the tools to communicate, collaborate and broaden the mind are at your fingertips. Do they have a place in education? Of course. As long as they serve a purpose and are affective, use them. Many of these tools allow students to have an “audience” they never would have with traditional methods of expression. Teachers can capitalize on the fact that in this digital age, students can use the tools and mediums they use on a personal basis to help them learn. We can help them to understand the proper/ethical/effective uses of technology; lessons that will hopefully carry over into their personal usage. These tools help teachers to differentiate instruction and offer limitless possibilities for usage.

Web 2.0…when money doesn’t matter.