You know how everything has a version number in our ever-changing world? Some clever individual coined the term "Web 2.0" to refer to the new world of interactivity available on the Internet. According to Wikipedia, the free online encyclopedia that people around the world are constantly updating, Web 2.0: refers to a second generation of services available on the World Wide Web that lets people collaborate and share information online. In contrast to the first generation, Web 2.0 gives users an experience closer to desktop applications than the traditional static Web pages....They often allow for mass publishing (web-based social software). The concept may include blogs and wikis.
Your students live in this world; they are engaged by this type of media. Doesn't it make sense to utilize something that they are already interested in to help them learn?
If you've never heard of Wikipedia, check it out: http://www.wikipedia.org/ After you select a language, click on overview to learn more about Wikipedia. Also, notice the common prefix used in one of the Cool Tools listed below.
Podcasting is the newest, hippest thing brought to us by Web 2.0. The definition (according to Wikipedia) is:
Podcasting is the method of distributing multimedia files, such as audio programs or music videos, over the Internet using either the RSS or Atom syndication formats, for playback on mobile devices and personal computers. The term podcast, like 'radio', can mean both the content and the method of delivery. The host or author of a podcast is often called a podcaster. Podcasters' web sites may also offer direct download or streaming of their files; a podcast however is distinguished by its ability to be downloaded automatically using software capable of reading RSS or Atom feeds. Usually a podcast features one type of 'show', with new episodes released either sporadically or at planned intervals such as daily or weekly. In addition, there are podcast networks that feature multiple shows on the same feed.
Podcasting is extremely new to education, but some companies are tying it out. Glencoe has announced quarterly podcasts to accompany certain high school level courses. For more information, read the article in their e-Zine: http://www.glencoe-ezine.com/
For an example see: http://glencoe.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/0078692512/student_view0/radio_glencoe_podcasting.html
Want to see what's out there in this strange new podcasting world? Check out these sites; keep in mind that you may have to download software or join a service like Odeo (see Cool Tools):
http://www.podcast.net/ Read under Tuning In along the right for help your first time.
http://www.podcastalley.com/ Another collection of podcasts.
http://podfeed.net/feedburner_rankings.asp These are the Top 100 most subscribed to podcasts with Feedburner.
Save your Favorites to the Web:
http://www.backflip.com/login.ihtml
http://del.icio.us/ This is actually a "social bookmarking" site because in addition to saving your Favorites to the Web, you can see what others who bookmarked the same sites as you have also bookmarked.
Other stuff:
We've been using Windows Media Player, but if you want information on other players, check out Wikipedia's Comparison of Media Players at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_media_players
Since you've been playing with audio and video do you have questions about file extensions? If so, take a look at this page with file extension format descriptions:
http://www.fileinfo.net/filetypes/video (Notice that the link takes you to the page on video file formats. For information on other file types, use the menu on the left side of the page.)
