Hi Garry,
Yes, I am helping to organise PD for teaching staff in the VET sector and am trying to get my head around all of the fantastic stuff thats out there. I see you are an SL member, how is that working for you?
Jo

Hi, Garry. Yes, I teach Year 9 Maths here in Adelaide. However, my approach is a little unusual in that I use a self-paced method.
Would be interested in you opening my eyes to the possibilities of Web 2.0 I have dabbled a little with developing a wiki for a senior biology class I teach but the students were more conservative in their approach than some of my fellow teachers!

No problem with using them myself.
My questions is how do you use them with students?
I have seen the very good youtube video which explains the mechanics but not the pedagogy - if you get my drift!

The possibilities a numerous Gerald.
Let's consider one example for a mathematics class. If groups of four to six students each had a wiki to contribute the thoughts and processes required to solve a problem, you not only get the students learning to collaborate online ( a very important skill now and for the future) but you also have a record of individual contributions for assessment. All to often it is difficult to ensure the assignment work you are getting belongs to the student. A wiki provides a means of seeing the student input develop over the course of the project and you are not worrying about 1st drafts etc.
You would need to choose the challenge carefully so that all have an opportunity to contribute, but certainly can be done.

thank you Garry for messaging me. I just wanted to join the web 2.0 group as I just love web 2.0 even though I have only just started with it. Have used bubbl.us, del.icio.us, wikkis and blogs. However, I am still trying to learn my way around so I dont know if I clicked on the wrong comment box or not. My comment does remain on that discussion list so I guess that worked at least. Thanks for remembering me.