Comments on Steve Hargadon: "Aha!" Moment on Adoption of Web 2.0 in the Classr...

I'm beginning to think that Firefox is the killer ...

2007-04-04T16:35:00.000-07:00

I'm beginning to think that Firefox is the killer app now. Basic, trouble-free access to the tools of the collaborative web that a small, but growing, group of educators are finding transformative to learning. And now including flash-based video-conferencing.

I've been playing with a version of Linux called Puppy Linux (www.puppyos.com), and have the latest version of Firefox running fast on pretty old computers--with the stability of Linux. Hmmm....

I also keep watching Moodle (www.moodle.org), as their value is becoming increasingly apparent, and is web-based.

Steve,My apolgies in advance for half-baked though...

2007-04-04T15:04:00.000-07:00

Steve,
My apolgies in advance for half-baked thoughts...
The idea of the killer app you and Bonnie discussed reminded me of a classroom automation concept that my colleagues and I developed in 2004. I bring it up because there are some potentially counterintutitive aspects of it and I'd love to see how it resonates with you and your readers.
Your post says:
"killer application" must be something that is so amazing and also so simple to use that everyone will be willing to do whatever it takes to utilize the computers. Bonnie also pointed out most teachers are women, and the KillerApp has to be as easy to use as a "garage door opener" .

THe insights that we had are:
1. Apps that are simple and useful for the user are often undergirded by extremely complex automation systems (e.g., ATM machines). The problem we run into when we talk about "automating the classroom" is that people (teachers included) envision a classroom full of technology that either gets in the way of teacher/student interaction, is intended to replace the teacher, or breaks down daily. Yet we know from studies of automation in other professions that this need not be the case. Highly sophisticated technology can enhance teacher/student interaction and can be be nearly invisible. How do we get past inaccurate preconceptions?

2. We tend to think of classroom apps as focusing on instruction and assessment, when perhaps the most useful apps are those that improve workflow. Think of how home appliances were marketed (to women) as time-saving work-saving automation. Perhaps the Killer app simply saves the teacher 5-10 minutes of "overhead" activities in each 50 min class period to focus on teaching as opposed to handing out and putting red stamps on homework. That adds up to a lot of time saved. Every teacher we spoke with wanted that technology. And with 1-to-1 technology we could build it tomorrow.
Thoughts? Reactions?

Web 2.0 as professional development tools for teac...

2007-02-07T14:18:00.000-08:00

Web 2.0 as professional development tools for teachers is certainly a good path. I love the idea of a principal with a podcast--although I wonder how much podcasts get listened to, since they demand more time and attention than other forms of communication (I wonder this about my own podcasts!). Certainly, a blog by a principal could make a huge difference for creating a sense of community passion for a school, and might be easier to start. Thanks for the good feedback. Cheers.

Excellent information Steve! I am in total agreem...

2007-02-07T13:51:00.000-08:00

Excellent information Steve! I am in total agreement with you on getting administrators to buy into new technologies as a way of diffusing the innovations we have access to but often don't use. These instructional leaders are the champions that can use their influence to spread the word on technology integration. If they use it themselves and serve as examples it would lead to a transformative process as other educators witnessed what can be accomplished. For example, a principal with a podcast for staff, parents, and students would be fun and welcomed!