The Educational Impact of the Personal Web

Of the six trends outlined in the 2009 Horizon Report, I feel that the personal web will have the biggest impact on teaching. Although the majority of social networking sites are blocked at many schools, the majority of teachers and students have accounts to some sort of social networking site. Through the use of social networking sites, teachers will be able to set up blogs, post assignments, and communicate with students easily. Students can also display artwork, pictures, respond to blogs and post videos that are related to concepts discussed in class.

I am very excited about seeing mobiles being used in schools as a teaching tool. Students are often punished for bringing mobile devices with them to school or for using them during class time. It will be really interesting to see teachers adapting to mobile devices and using them as a tool, as opposed to being a distraction.

It’s interesting to look at mobile devices as ones that can be used to capture education-related pictures, record educational videos and conduct interviews. We, as teachers, need to look outside the box and see how mobile devices can be used to promote creativity and positive interaction amongst peers. Once students realize that mobile devices are finally allowed in schools they might begin to use them more responsibly.