Web 2.0 and Language Learning

Web 2.0 and Language Learning from Victor Hugo Rojas B. on Vimeo.

I would like to comment on this video. Working in a language teacher education department allows me to interact with digital natives and immigrants. About 65 % of teacher students are familiar with Web 2.0 tools such as Messenger, Hi5, Facebook, Blogger, and YouTube. I think they are networked students because they interact, share, and learn, exchanging information, and socializing online.

Although there are other Web 2.0 tools such as wikis, podcasts, and social networks, most students have not tried them yet, as well as plenty of teachers. These Web 2.0 tools may support EFL lessons encouraging students to use the array of possibilities to share opinions with the world, find images to use in class, share them, play word games with other students worldwide, improve vocabulary, and make friends. Teachers may also create and share teaching videos, see and learn how to do things through tutorials, or make their presentation interactive with Voice Thread.

In conclusion, "education must be not only socially, but collaboratively constructed." Networked teachers expect their students to collaborate with others virtually. However, teachers must improve their best practices by discussing and exchanging ideas with their colleagues to make the most beneficial Web 2.0 classroom work for their students.