Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Web 2.0 tools for Parents

We are thinking about adding a new workshop for parents on Web 2.0 tools so that you might feel comfortable with them and understand what tools your children use at school to meet technology and curriculum standards. You also are invited to present what you know about them and lead a discussion on how these new tools change our lives and how parents can use them effectively and help children use them appropriately and safely. If any of you are interested send the library a note (email or leave a comment in the blog) so that we could coordinate our workshops.

Possible workshop(s) will cover topics:
Blogs, wikis, podcasts, RSS (really simple syndication), and social network sites.

Blogs - This message is shared with you with a blog. You might know this tool and have your own. We can learn how to add to it pictures, graphics, links, and calendar and we also might start a new group blog (for instance, a blog for PTA).

Wikis - Everyone who uses Wikipedia is acquainted with wikis - a great tool used for collaboration. You will see how wikis are used at school and how you can use them for editing parent group meeting minutes.

Podcasts - we'll show you how to create audio files and publish them right after recording. We'll show you how podcasts are used in school and students share their stories and oral language excersises in podcasting.

RSS - this tool that lets you remember links that are used the most is useful and timesaving.

Social Networking - MySpace and Facebook are a source of communication for young people. Join our workshop to become savvy in those tools and to learn more how kids are using them.

Resources:
Bloglines
eBlogger
Gcast - a personal broadcasting site
Ning creates social networking
Switch pod - a podcast hosting site

Reference:
Judy Hauser. Be the Web "Go-To" Person for Parents! - School Library Media Activities Monthly. February 2009, 24-26

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