Static v. Dynamic Technologies

On the static versus dymanic pendulum I believe I am in between the areas of collaboration and content.  I am in the process of using collaborative technologies with my students as well as some of the teachers in my school system.  I am finding that as we proceed to advance in the technology area there are more opportunities for students and educators to embrace what's available and use it to it's full potential.  The more open we are about using these technologies and having the students use them I do believe learning will occur and grades will improve.  In this I want it now era if we don't give students what they love we will lose 90% of them in the classroom and they will simply do what it takes to get by instead of actually learning.  I hope through the process of this program to only enhance what my students get out of the classroom and I want to move more towards a virtual classroom when my students are absent.

See the static v. dynamic concept map below.

Static

Collaboration- Blogs, Wikis, Video Cards
Communication-Instant Messaging, Skype and Texting
Content-Webquests, Internet Scavenger Hunts and Listservs

Dynamic

Collaboration-RSS Feeds, Youtube and stream audio
Communication-VOIP, Virtual Worlds, and Web Conferences
Content-Digital Games, P2P Networks, and Learning Objects (video clips)

Engaging Learners with New Strategies and Tools

CCC

Content-Online resources/Educational Journals/Instructors

Collaboration-Blogs/Workgroups/Online Networks

Communication-Skype/Podcasts/Educational Chatrooms 

All of these technological tools will work well in the learning environment.  Content area requires that there are resources available to acquire the information, such as educational technology journals and a medium to get that information.  An instructor would serve as a valuable knowledge base to receive that information and to get insight on what is in the future for education.

For collaboration, any type of networking where two or more students can share and receive information would benefit all.  Use of blogs, networking groups and associations and online networks that promote educational technology would serve as a great base to get started.

Communication is the key to establishing a solid base for acquiring this knowledge.  In the classroom and with online studies the use of Skype and other web cam tools is very beneficial. Podcasts are the new wave for putting out information on a widespread basis. Educational chat rooms serve as a great medium for sharing and getting involved in technology discussions that interest you.