So Many Choices: Which Tool To Use?

A few days ago I was asked whether a blog or a wiki was the right tool to use for a classroom project. The teacher wasn't quite sure of the difference, so I asked what the goal was; what the end product was. Once that was determined, the choice was clear.

I located a matrix (see above - click on to enlarge) charting various Web 2.0 tools and their various applications.

To realize the full impact that Web 2.0 tools have to offer, and rather than reinvent the wheel, let me redirect you to a fellow blogger's article that you'll find extremely detailed, in the form of a post using an analogy entitled The Technology Toolbox

Librarian? NO! Media Specialist? YES!

Gone are the days of the school librarians as we once knew them. They now must be fluent with technology, and often assist students in locating primary and secondary resources online. They also assist children with the development of multimedia projects. Many assist in maintaining school websites.

Is it fair to expect them to be responsible for helping all students to become fluent in technology skills? Yes, it is. It's also fair to expect regular classroom teachers, art, music, and physical education teachers to do likewise.

The link below will take you to a site (a wiki) offering a multitude of ideas that can be implemented by ALL educators. The opportunities for implementation are limited only by one's initiative and imagination. Here it is:

http://webtools4u2use.wikispaces.com