As I was working out about an hour ago, the question came to my mind: Have colleges and universities begun using Web 2.0 tools as a part of their teacher education programs? I imagine they probably are, but if not, would it be possible to set up social networking groups between accomplished classroom teachers and current education students? I haven’t gotten involved (other than to set up an account), but could a site like Classroom 2.0 be set up separately or in conjunction with it to help college students observe and communicate with more teachers at work?
As far behind the technological times as I am, it’s quite possible that groups mirroring these ideas are already in use.
4 responses so far ↓
Andy Zweibel // March 1, 2009 at 11:00 pm
Bonnie-
I think this would be an incredible idea! It would be a really great way to allow current teachers and current students to network and learn from each other! It could include video posting, comments, a discussion forum, and could even provide an opportunity for education students to start laying the groundwork for networking and job searching!
I haven’t seen anything like this around (granted I haven’t looked), but I think this would be a great asset to both teachers and students alike!
-Andy
Bonnie Brown // March 1, 2009 at 11:40 pm
I’m SO glad you read this, Andy!!! I’m not in a position to take this idea much further. I don’t have the technological skills, the time, etc. But as a current student at a university, maybe YOU could find out what the possibilities are, talk to professors, etc. I’m sure there would be issues and problems to work out. I just think if the details could be worked out, it could be a tool for college students to observe teachers they may not otherwise be able to see…because of scheduling, distance, etc. I was even thinking earlier that each University/Program could set up its own Ning. (Am I even using the correct language???)
I often hear teachers say that it took them five to seven years to really figure out what they were doing. I think it’s taking me longer than that!
With the ability to see more teachers in action (observe), communicate with those teachers ideas and questions (reflect), and apply (I’m not sure how that fits into the picture for college students), could that time be cut even some? If it could, that would only benefit our students!
The hard thing about pursuing an idea like this is the attitude that exists still in many school districts about Web 2.0 and its uses (see Dean Shareski’s site I have in my blogroll). However, just because there are problems and issues to work out, doesn’t mean some portion of the idea isn’t usable.
Think some more on it! Maybe we’ll get a few more comments, or maybe someone will act on it…if the idea isn’t already being utilized. If it is being utilized, maybe more college teacher education programs could put something in place for their own students!
J. Pisano // March 2, 2009 at 2:41 am
Bonnie,
I can tell you that Web 2.0 is one of my sounding drums not only for “music education” but all of the education fields. I teach these concepts to all of our music education students as well as write and clinic as much as I can at related music and education conferences.
It is not simply the way of the future -it is the way of “now”. MusTech.Net was founded in the Web 2.0 tradition almost 4 years ago now and I continue to use it as, in my opinion, the best way to present music, education, and technology conecepts to the world. My students have been following suit in their classrooms for sometime now.
Digital mentoring is so simple when the Web 2.0 environment is the basis of the communication platform.
Best,
J. Pisano ~MusTech.net
Bonnie Brown // March 2, 2009 at 4:58 am
Thank you so much for reading and commenting! I found your site within just a few days/weeks of being on Twitter. Your site is how I found quite a few of the other music educators’ blogs, several of which I included on my blogroll. You made a lot of information easily accessible! I’m certain I’ll continue to check back with your site.
Thanks again for commenting about your use of Web 2.0 tools to help music ed students!