Are Web 2.0 Technologies For Kindergartens?

The whole new world of Web 2.0 sometimes seems daunting to me. I strongly believe that older children can benefit from the new technologies but I wonder - are these technologies for four to six year olds? I have (briefly) tried using webcams with my classes to try and enhance learning but because of technical problems it didn't work. I know that it may not be true web 2.0 but has anyone ever successfully used collaborative technologies with their Kdgn. class(es)? I'd love to hear your thoughts, ideas especially since I will be moving to a higher needs school in the fall where I think the ability to link with other students around the world may make learning more relevant and real.

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Comment by Tammy Moore on June 5, 2007 at 9:25am: Last spring I taught K, 1st, and 2nd grade math in an online environment. All the kids adored the live, online classroom and it was quite up to the task of making a very interactive environment both socially and in the area of hands-on manipulatives. However, I did see a distinct difference in how much the students utilized social tools outside of the online classroom. The kindergarteners rarely participated which made sense sense they were not yet reading and most online environments are text dependent to one degree or another. The first graders participated sporadically. The second graders however used the tools beyond the online classroom extensively. Two of the boys in partiular, who developed a close friendship through meeting in the online class, had to actually have limits put in place so they would get their other work done. One lived in Oregon and the other lived in South Carolina. The online environment was their only means of getting together.

Comment by Peter Dawson on June 5, 2007 at 11:13am: Thanks Tammy for replying. I curious since you've done this - what kind of hardware/software did you use to facilitate the online learning envrironment? Since in my new school I will also be taking on an administrative position, this might be something to look into more.