This is an excerpt from a paper I did last semestr. K

Linking Web 2.0 Elements into a Distance Learning Classroom

ILS-570

INTRODUCTION

             Only until very recently have I begun to see snippets of Web 2.0 in my distance classroom. For the first time the “Discussions” have expanded beyond the topic at hand. Shared experience, ideas and conversations are giving discussion tasks a new life and new meaning. The discussion board began to take on characteristics very similar to those found in a blog. I’ve never blogged, in the truest sense, but for no other reason than lack of time. There are blog sites everywhere on the Internet. Blogging is new, but not necessarily the new-new; more like the old new; but clearly linked with Web 2.0…….

INTEGRATION OF WEB 2.0 FEATURES IN DISTANCE LEARNING

            The existing Distance Learning (D.L.) classroom platform would benefit from enhanced features. I think most D.L. students would agree that the current format creates unnecessary and often frustrating barriers. My recommendation would be to incorporate some of the social networking tools made popular with Web 2.0. Without question, blog and wikis would thrive if they were incorporated into the D.L. course page. Wiki’s provide a tool for students to collaborate on projects thus eliminating the incessant “emailing” ping-pong. I do not propose removing discussion boards as they have successfully served a useful purpose and resources for both teacher and student. However, by including blogs on the course page, as a vehicle for student socialization and exchange of fresh ideas, the required work remains separate in the discussion board. The on-campus students should have access to the same blogs, thus, for the first time, shrinking the gap between the two groups of students, who are experiencing the same stressors, issues and workload.

            Other 2.0 resources such as del.ic.ious, and taped on-campus course lectures provided via the MP3 format would enrich the learning experience and enhance the student’s sense of involvement.

            Now is the time to launch these tools in the Distance Learning format, before the new-new becomes the old-new.