Choosing Web 2.0 Tools for Learning and Teaching in a Digital World

Choosing Web 2.0 Tools for Learning and Teaching in a Digital World provides practical strategies and examples to effectively integrate Web 2.0 tools to support the inquiry process in the school library program and the classroom curriculum. Targeted for school librarians, this book addresses the questions: What is digital literacy? How is learning different in a digital world? And the most important questions, what are the best strategies, resources, and tools to support effective teaching and learning in a digital environment? The first two chapters of the book provide the important context for school librarians: research on student learning behaviors in a digital environment, Web 2.0 background and characteristics, and alignment with the new AASL Standards for the Twenty-first Century Learner and the Stripling Inquiry Process. Grades 4-12.

Table of Contents:
Foreword 1 Learning, Literacy, and Web 2.0 2 Searching the Web 3 Social Bookmarking 4 Managing and Organizing Information 5 Content Collaboration 6 Media Sharing 7 Social Networking 8 Digital Mapping Glossary Appendix: Tool Chart Index

About the Author :
Pam Berger is a well-known consultant, BER presenter and publisher of the Information Searcher, an online magazine for school librarians. Sally Trexler has recently retired as the library director for the Allentown Public Schools. She has been active in the AASL and other professional associations.

Review :
This title is full of practical advice and information on using Web 2.0 tools, with the emphasis on student learning through collaboration. Each chapter begins with essential questions and ends with lists of media resources and references. An exceptional chapter on Web searches features information on student behaviors and strategies for teaching searching. Two chapters, one on print content and one on multimedia, focus on collaboration and sharing. Numerous graphics include charts, sidebars, screen shots, and student handouts. It is obvious the authors have favorite applications for each tool, but if the reader prefers another, there is enough information provided. Step-by-step instructions are given for several, and suggested action steps are offered. A "Tool Chart" gives URLs for all the Web 2.0 tools that are discussed. A glossary and index (including figures and tables) complete this must-have for all school librarians. While this source is obviously targeted toward classroom teachers and school librarians, it may also serve as a useful reference point for librarians of all types and in all educational settings that strive to adapt to the emerging learning environment of the 21st century. Highly recommended. Choosing Web 2.0 Tools is the supreme resource to get the job done. It provides practical strategies and examples with terrific graphics and charts as well as reproducible work sheets that can be applied to classrooms or libraries. The inquiry process is addressed with realistic application and can be directly utilized in an instructional setting. . . .The illustrations are appropriate as well as specific; the book is well-organized and practical.