Web 2.0 Tools in the Classroom

This entry is supposed to be about Web 2.0 tools in the classroom, but since I will be in a library I will discuss my perspective on the usefulness of Web 2.0 tools in a library. I think that Web 2.0 tools present a great opportunity for students to share their own ideas and create spaces that are meaningful to them. However, I believe that these tools are best used with middle and high school students rather than elementary school students.

Gliffy, which we examined this week, would allow students to organize research and create charts and graphics for use in class presentations. As an on-line graphic organizer I think this is incredibly useful for both the classroom and the library. It helps students learn how to organize information as well as giving them options for doing so. However, the skills involved in this are more suited to middle and high school students than elementary.

Wikispaces are also fantastic for use in both the classroom and the library. My idea for Wikispaces was to have a place for students to review books online so other students in the school can access them. This provides so many opportunities for students and teachers to post things that are both educational and meaningful. This tool might be able to be adapted for an elementary school but, generally, the students don't have enough experience yet to be able to use one of these effectively.

I do believe that Web 2.0 tools can be very useful in classroom and library situations. However, I would love to see some that are able to be used at the elementary level. I just don't see how the tools that we have experienced would benefit the cognitive level of an elementary schooler. Does anyone have any ideas?