Distributed Learning

The web 2.0 tools that are available to teachers today are providing teachers with numerous tools to help them extend the learning of students outside of the traditional classroom. Distributed learning by definition is any educational or training experience that uses a variety of means, including technology, to enable learning. For these tools to effectively support distributed learning they should support learning outcomes, support or create a classroom community and climate, encourage interaction among learners, and encourages students to seek knowledge. Teachers wishing to enhance their curriculum and expand their classroom beyond the traditional four walls of the classroom are using these new Web 2.0 tools to support distributed learning.

Thankfully, there are several resources available to teachers to help implement these tools in their classrooms. Some of the best sites I found are listed below with a brief description:

How Twitter in the Classroom is Boosting Student Engagement
http://mashable.com/2010/03/01/twitter-classroom/

This website gives some great insight about using Twitter in larger classrooms to enhance classroom discussion. It is worth noting that students do not have to use a cell phone to access Twitter – they can also use laptops. This is a great way to ask keep the discussion and lines of communication open even after class.

30+ Ways to Use FourSquare in Education
http://www.accreditedonlinecolleges.com/blog/2010/30-ways-to-use-foursquare-in-education/

This website has some great ideas for using FourSquare in (and out of) the classroom. I don’t think I would link my facebook or personal check-in’s unless I were doing so from a “school account” set up for educational purposes – but, the other ideas, especially those for field trips, are definitely worth looking at!

Web 2.0 in the Classroom
http://web20intheclassroom.blogspot.com/

This blogger provides good overviews & introductions to specific Web 2.0 tools and has MANY useful links. If you are unfamiliar with Web 2.0 in Education this is a good place to start. :)