Week 14 Reflection

According to Chapter 31, Networks, Web 2.0, and the Connected Learner of “Trends and Issues in Instructional Design and Technology” by Reiser and Dempsey whom focus on the Web 2.0 applications and how we can use those tools to exemplifies some of the concepts or characteristics. In this paper, I will reflect upon the Web 2.0 tools that we played with them over the semester, discuss two of my favorite applications, why they are my favorites and note how they exemplify some of the concepts or characteristics detailed in this week's reading.

I believe that the most useful application that I played with it is creating a video and image as a screencast and hotscreen by Jing. I think this website will save my time in career future because I can use it with my students to explain sequences steps in short and clear video. So, the students can learn by watching the instructor move through the steps enables them to take note of where everything is in the application or presentation. For that free website, Jing offers the capability to explain in detail what may be more confusing when delivered in audio or the written word. Video allows the screencast producer to complete the flow of thoughts or processes without being forced to chop or forget some steps into static images. With the combination of video and audio, the application can mimic the one on one experience of the classroom, deliver clear, and complete instruction.

Another Web application that I fell in love it is Google Drive is that it is an online file cabinet where you can store documents and other digital files. Also, it provides similar services of Microsoft Office Applications and more. I believe that Google Drive is the best choice to collaborate with students for several reasons. First, it is a free application. Second, it saves the work automatically. Third and the most important reason is allowing for multiple users to work on the same document, insert comments in the margins, or just let others take a peek at what they are working on. This means students cannot only work together with their own classmates, but they could also collaborate with students across the world.

So, how do these two tools exemplify Web 2.0, as defined by the reading this week? One of the affordances described within the chapter by Reiser and Dempsey (2007), is the networking, collaborative, connectivity provided through Web 2.0 tools. Google Docs exemplifies this collaborative, networked, connected environment. As I said above the Google drive contributes with effective cooperate in the educational environment.

For the screencasting tool, I believe it provides students with an opportunity to learn from professionals and experienced faculty members on various subjects. Moreover, students can get the information easily, which saves their time instead of spending lots time on YouTube or reading some explanations. Screencasting is a good source of information and it can easily be published and shared that make them effective tools for tutoring video.