Workshop 9

Title: Integrating 2.0 Tools into Classroom Practice and Collaborative Projects

Workshop Description:

During this workshop, participants will explore a variety of Web 2.0 tools that can be integrated into any classroom program in a meaningful way. Participants will be able to investigate how these engaging tools can be integrated into classroom practice while being embedded in collaborative projects. This session will be set up with a variety of activity centers where participants can work through each centre to sample features of each 2.0 tool.

Examples of 2.0 tools to be explored at activity centres:

• Edublogs
• Voice Threads
• Podcasting
• Web Conferencing using Skype and/or Adobe Connect/Elluminate
• Publishing tools- My Hero
• Digital Storytelling using Photoshop Elements
• Wiki Spaces

Presenters: Mali Bickley and Jim Carelton


Jim Carleton has been a classroom teacher for 24 years. Presently Jim is the Information Communications and Technology consultant at the Simcoe County District School Board in Barrie, Ontario, Canada. Jim is passionate about using technology to connect students together globally to make a difference in the world. He has won numerous local and national awards for his work in using ICT to connect students from around the world in meaningful projects.

Jim is the county coordinator for the Canadian division of the International Educational and Resource Network (iEARN) and also a member of several organizations that focus on global collaboration and responsible use of ICT.

Mali Bickley has 27 years experience as a classroom teacher. Over the past 6 years, she has used ICT and successfully integrated literacy and content area curriculum to have her students connect, communicate and collaborate with several classes from around the world. As a classroom teacher, Mali is using Global Education Projects to integrate reading and writing strategies into meaningful projects that connect students globally. Mali’s students have successfully collaborated with each other and students around the world to make a difference in the lives of others. Mali is the assistant country coordinator of iEARN Canada and designs and facilitates many international projects.

Both Jim and Mali have given workshops on Collaborative Global Education projects and integrating ICT into classroom practice to several schools, districts, universities and interested organizations, such as Taking it Global, World Vision, ECOO and NECC both nationally and internationally. They have clearly seen how students become highly engaged in global collaborative projects that use ICT. Jim and Mali feel the rewards of teaching include seeing how students become passionate about the connections they have made with others.