The Wonders of Web2.0 Technology and the Art of Reflection

Having long been a devotee of active reflection I have been exploring how Web2.0 based technologies can provide new opportunities in which to express oneself.  Naturally, one of the most obvious forms is in the blog format which provides a space and an audience in which to share ones discoveries or seek out new information and ideas by posing questions or sharing conundrums for the reader to comment on.  I started a blog in WordPress nearly six months ago and am thoroughly enjoying the forum it provides for self expression and interaction with interested and like minded people.  As a teacher educator I am also constantly looking out for ways in which to encourage my students to reflect on everyday practice and have been seeking out new and alternative ways in which to do this. 

In a recent assignment I set my students the task of reflecting on weekly lecture and tutorial content, skills and values being presented and have asked that each week they utilise a different kind of learning style and format in which to do so.  Initially I was concerned that the students would feel overwhelmed at the challenge, however it has only taken one week for me to see that they have embraced the concept head on.  In the past week I have been sent the links to three new blog sites set up by different students, have watched two Xtreme Animations, two Prezi presentations, have viewed two Mind Maps, have listened to an audio recording of a reflection in song accompanied by guitar, and have been introduced to a graphic comic layout created in Pixtar.  Needless to say I am extremely excited about the variety of ways in which my students have found conducive to expressing and exploring their own ideas and reactions to new information and experiences.  I would love to hear about any other Web2.0 applications that may provide further avenues for self expression in written, visual or aural formats and the Classroom 2.0 page seems like an obvious place to start with all the experience that its members brings.  Any ideas would be greatfully received!