Teaching Science 2.0

You can quickly create a free chat room at http://www.chatmaker.net/.  I’m sure you can think of many ways to use this.  Here is one idea-

My students watched the PBS special, Judgement Day: Intelligent Design on Trial in class.  While watching, we “backchanneled” in a Chatmaker chat room. I was able to provide additional resources (web links) and ask (and answer) questions without disrupting the video by talking.  Students could share their thoughts, ask for clarification, and yes, occiasionally crack jokes.  A few students found the chatroom distracting, but most thought it added to the experience. 

Jeff Utecht has a great post about evaluating technology use in the classroom. 

1. Is the technology being used “Just because it’s there”?
2. Is the technology allowing the teacher/students to do Old things in Old ways?
3. Is the technology allowing the teacher/students to do Old things in New ways?
4. Is the technology creating new and different learning experiences for the students?

http://www.thethinkingstick.com/?p=623