The read/write web has changed the landscape of education. Today's students need to learn a new digital,visual, and informational literacy, that includes new terms like blog, wiki, rss feed, Google doc, podcast, and screencast. They need to learn how to create Prezi's, Wordles, Avatars, and Animoto videos. Most importantly, the need to learn to communicate and collaborate with their peers to create content, store information, and retrieve that information when they need it. Last but certainly not least, they must learn to be both consumers and editors of web content. So how do we as educators ensure that our students have those skills? The first step is to change the way we do things. Teachers need to change from feeders of content to coaches of learning. We need to have conversations with other teachers, share content, and master the new tools of the read/write web. Gone are the days of teaching from the textbook, it is time to create our curriculum around the standards and find the web 2.0 tools that will engage students as they master the content.
It will not be easy. The greatest barrier is the inequity in technology. Some school districts have 1:1 technology, while others have very limited technology. Using any technology requires thoughtful planning and meaningful professional development. The dilema for all educators, all students no matter where they live or what school they attend, need the same 21st century skills to be successful productive and contributing citizens.
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