Web 2.0 and Problem solving

I've had the opportunity explore different technology that can be used for education in another class I am attending at Teachers College including Dreamweaver, Photoshop, and Audacity.

Dreamweaver and Photoshop are part of Adobe's creative suites used to create various multimedia. Audacity is a free software that users can download to create podcasts.

It's been interesting exploring these tools as well as challenging at times. I found the Internet to be very helpful at times while I was learning how to complete assignments based around these technologies. For example, one of our assignments was to put an rss feed on a web page that would allow users to subscribe to podcasts that we created using Audacity. My instructors video demonstration helped but I also looked up information on the Internet and came across some helpful blogs and sites as well as demonstrations on YouTube. As I looked for this information I thought about my Computers, Problem solving and Cooperative Learning class and how the topics we've been exploring like using Web 2.0 platforms can be very helpful in enhancing ones learning experience. I feel fortunate to have these types of resources available because it is so convenient and helpful at critical times when experts are not physically available. Students can refer to these resources to help them construct knowledge and work through challenges they may have.

I think this is more evidence that Web 2.0 applications can serve as helpful problem solving tools.

Wiske et al. (2005) explains that one of the benefits of collaboration through mediums like Web 2.0 platforms is that learners have another resource to look to for knowledge construction helping educators to supplement their expertise. Collaboration and information exchange through Web 2.0 platforms can be a helpful resource when students understand how to identify valid information sources and use them constructively.