Student+Reactions

Student reactions and feedback submitted recently reveals pros and cons of integrating web 2.0 technologies in the classroom.

 * Easy to stay in touch
 * No need for assignment books - - it's all online!
 * Fun-- Doesn't feel like work
 * Less writing, more typing
 * I like the ning, wiki, and smartboard. It's much better to be able to change the website and get up to use the smartboard then take notes on a lecture. Same thing with Harkness. I like having a say in my own education.
 * Using the technology, I feel that teachers are more accessible because we can contact her through ning. Also posting homework on wiki is helpful so I don't have to hurry and write my homework down in class. Seeing others' work on wiki also helps to see if I'm doing my work right, too. (our ppts)
 * It improves my learning. I think if vodcasts are posted my learning will be deeply impacted because I could use them as a study tool. I love the ning and once we start disucssions those will probably help me, too.
 * Using web2.0 improves learning because it embraces what we're doing at home by mimicking posting on facebook throuogh the use of wikis. It's experimental and fun!
 * Technology is so familiar to our generation so if we have facebook for school in the disguise of Ning, we might be more involved and engaged.
 * Internet technologies are so convenient becasue the material is so accessible to students from almost anywhere. The websites like wiki and ning are also good forums to post questions and start discussions. Gaggle email is extremely convenient.
 * I like the freedom of the site. We are able to socialize with our classmates about school as well as observe what our other classmates are doing. Sometimes the work of our peers inspires us to do better. I also like that we're able to embrace today's technology instead of forbidding it. Our technology should be used in any way possible other than making it "illegal," like our ipods and youtube.
 * The technology we are using is beneficial to say the least. "Web 2.0," as it's called, gives the students a hands-on experience. The wiki, ning, and gaggle all let the students be in control of their education.
 * The new technology was confusing at first, but then it definitely became easier. It helps knowing all your assignemnts are online and if you have any questions you can discuss them with your peers and see a new perspective on things.
 * I'm technology challenged so it's difficult for me to figure out without someone holding my hand. But I do like the idea of sharing our insights on the web so everyone can seee each other's and constantly edit and update. It's definitely good; I just need more understanding of it I suppose.
 * I would suggest using one or the other because too many sites make it an unenjoyable experience. I guess it would help to have others thoughts up there, so if I'm confused I can just ask someone on the site.
 * The wiki is helpful because there is a schedule of homework and what we have to do in class week by week. The Ning is helpful with communicating with other students.
 * I think some adults have the idea that high schoolers are online all the time -- we're really not. We don't always have the internet access every night for various reasons such as sharing the computer with family members or lack of time. We aren't always able to check websites for homework, so it is sometimes difficult to have a lot of the class on websites.
 * I find it annoying becasue I have to visit some website regularly when I don't even check e-mail regularly. I feel that it could replace traditional learning environment, but it shouldn't be used in conjunction with a typical classroom setting. This could also cause homework and classes to be assigned on the weekend, which would be a travesty of justice.
 * I feel there's a lot we could do but right now it's just a lot to handle. There's like inclass stuff and internet stuff. I mean we're using like 3 web things right now and we're doing paper. I think once it all starts flowing it'll be good but right now it's kind of overwhelming. I like it, but it's not set in a way it doesn't scare me off or give me anxiety.
 * I feel there's a lot we could do but right now it's just a lot to handle. There's like inclass stuff and internet stuff. I mean we're using like 3 web things right now and we're doing paper. I think once it all starts flowing it'll be good but right now it's kind of overwhelming. I like it, but it's not set in a way it doesn't scare me off or give me anxiety.