Web 2.0 in Schools: Leadership & Policy Keith R. Krueger, CEO, CoSN

CoSN MissionMISSION Empowering K-12 district technology leaders to use technology strategically to improve teaching and learning

The primary challenge we face in using technology effectively in education is human, not technical.

For that reason, CoSN focuses on Leadership and Policy.

Key Technology Trends

Time-to-Adoption: One Year or LessCollaborative EnvironmentsOnline Communication Tools

Time-to-Adoption: Two to Three YearsMobilesCloud Computing

Time-to-Adoption: Four to Five YearsSmart ObjectsThe Personal Web

Web 2.0 in Schools: Goal

Help district level administrators successfully deal with the policy and leadership

challenges, as well as the opportunities presented by Web 2.0 and the emergence

of “participatory culture”.

Web 2.0 Definition

Online application that uses the World Wide Web (www) as a platform and allows for participatory involvement, collaboration, and interactions among users. Web 2.0 is also characterized by the creation and sharing of intellectual and social resources by end users.

Promise

73 % of the nation’s district administrators see the educational significance of Web 2.0 tools in the American classroom.

Significant opportunities for improving curricula and teaching materials in social studies, writing, science and reading at all grade levels.

Significant opportunities for improving curricula and teaching materials in social studies, writing, science and reading at all grade levels.

Promise: Students’ LivesDistrict administrators rate the effect of Web 2.0 applications on student’s life and education.

Promise: Teaching & Learning

Top three priorities for improving student learning through the use of Web 2.0

• Keeping students interested and engaged• Meeting the needs of different kinds of learners• Developing critical thinking skills

Reality: Access

70% school districts ban social networking

72% school districts ban chat rooms

Most other Web 2.0 tools are allowed (e.g., blogging, wikis, sound files, visual media, posting messages, virtual worlds, interactive games, polls/surveys, etc.)

Reality: Policies

Internet safety. Educators struggling to balance keeping students safe while realizing the potential of Web 2.0

Over 53% agreed that Web 2.0 has caused district policy makers to become nervous about allowing student access.

Only 3% school districts have formal policies adopted specifically to address Web 2.0

Reality: Not experienced usersPercentage of Superintendents indicating the highest level of use he/she makes of specific Web 2.0 applications

n=777 Superintendents

The use of these tools in American classrooms remains the province of individual pioneering classrooms.

56% reported that Web 2.0 applications have not yet been integrated within the curriculum.

Reality: Practice

Web 2.0 is outpacing the capacity of K-12 education to innovate.

Reality: Barriers to Use

School district are more focused on the challenges of Web 2.0 than on restructuring to leverage Web 2.0 for learning.

Many district administrators said that educators in their districts were not sufficiently familiar with Web 2.0 to understand it fully, much less ready to redesign schooling.

SummaryDistrict administrators see the educational significance of Web 2.0 of

They see the promise of Web 2.0 to energize learning and equip students with the skills they will need in life.

Yet, the reality is that schools are struggling with the how to make effective use of Web 2.0 as a vital element of the learning environment.

Other US Perspectives Craig Wacker, John D. & Catherine T.

MacArthur Foundation Fred Morton, Director, Maggie Walker

Governor’s School for Government and International Studies

Sheryl Abshire, Calcasieu Parish Public Schools, LA

In times of change, learners inherit the Earth; while the learned find themselves beautifully equipped

to deal with a world that no longer exists. Eric Hoffer

www.cosn.org/web20