Wednesday 2 May 2012

So which web 2.0 technology then?

I have to thank Fionna and her very informative blog about Web 2.0 and how this technology can be harnessed for adult literacy and numeracy instruction.


Here's another video clip showing the evolution of the web:








Embracing the radical philosophy of teaching, Kanuka (2008) mentioned that the "role of the teacher is to raise student's consciousness of the social and political contradictions in their culture" (Kanuka, 2008, p.109). Learning, then, involves having an in-depth understanding of the student's oppression achieved through critical thinking (Kanuka, 2008). The ultimate goal is for the students to be empowered to bring about change in their lives.


Using the different web 2.0 tools can provide the needed 'enlightenment' of the students. The following illustration shows how multiple use of web 2.0 tools can be used in the critical thinking process.







Learning how to use the different web2.0 tools itself can be an opportunity to enhance the literacy and numeracy skills of the learners. Collaborative learning can be achieved by creating a wiki space or common blog dedicated to a specific topic that the learners have decided to explore.


For example, if my intended learners are newly arrived migrants, a collaborative project could be about creating a 'practical settlement portal' (similar to that of a settlement guide) wherein newly arrived migrants can access (and add) information pertaining to settling in a certain suburb.  


An excellent web 2.0 tool for this intention is through blogging.


In the next entries or so, and in the next assignment, I am going to research more about this tool and how it can be harnessed for adult literacy and numeracy education.

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Kanuka, H. (2008).Understanding e-learning technologies-in-practice through philosophies-in-practice.  In Anderson, T. (Ed) (2008).The Theory and Practice of Online Learning (2nd ed.) (pp 99-121). Edmonton: AUPress.

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