Suggestions for Using the Wiki

= Using the Wiki =

Personal Learning

This wiki can be used by anyone anywhere for individual learning on how Web 2.0 tools can enhance and support effective instruction that results in improved student learning, like custom essay writing it is very useful for most of student. Add your own ideas to the wiki, and feel free to add additional tools that aren't already listed on the Master List of Tools.

Professional Development Sessions

Many districts around the country are using this wiki in professional development with their teachers. Professional development can focus on the entire wiki or can be focused on one category at a time. Review the suggestions for "Coaching on Web 2.0 & Instruction" below for ideas on making the professional development more effective.

Faculty Engagement

Help your teachers add their own examples to this wiki. As they do, they will become more familiar with the use of the wiki for professional learning AND they will make their work public which can be a form of "recognition" (especially if you are encouraging them to do so!).

= Coaching on Web 2.0 & Instruction =

Model use of these tools in your work

As you model the use of these tools, others will see how, when, and where you are using them to work more effectively and efficiently. Speak THEIR language -- not our language

If we want teachers to incorporate Web 2.0 (and more technology) in their classroom instruction, then we need to understand what they are doing in the classroom. We need to understand how overwhelmed and overworked they already feel. We need to understand that too often they see all of these things as "add ons" that they just don't have time to learn or time to use. Speaking their language and introducing tools to them in a "just in time" manner will make it easier for teachers to understand how the tools maybe useful to them without being more time-consuming or dificult to learn and use.

How can Web 2.0 fill their needs?

Find out what your teachers needs are before you speak with them about Web 2.0 or technology. Show them tools (just-in-time) that meet those needs.

Provide ongoing, embedded, and one-on-one support (the keychain)

Stop giving one-time training sessions that are never followed up during the year. The most effective professional development is ongoing throughout the year, is embedded in the work, and includes one-on-one support from you and other on-site mentors. when you identify their needs you can easily embed the learning within the work by simply asking them to try one new tool for one specific task that you will mentor them through on that day.

“Bite-size”

Provide training and support in "bite-size" chunks -- one tool at a time. Focus on one tool for one month or for one semester. Make it simple and easy for teachers to see where and how to use one tool, provide ongoing support, and then HIGHLIGHT successful uses that occur on your campus during that time period!