ASL/English eBooks and Apps

I recently read an article about entitled "New Literacies Bring Sign Language to eBooks" which discussed the inclusive benefits of embracing certain technologies in the classroom. While brief, this article encouraged me to explore the recent growth in ASL/ English ebooks and apps for children. While in the past there has been ASL friendly material for children, it has often been created by large companies, however with the increase of technology individuals, specifically deaf individuals who are have begun releasing their own ASL/ English ebooks and apps. Because many of these are created by people who are deaf, they contain more deaf characters in the stories, creating more positive portrayals of deaf characters

A few of the materials recommended for those who are interested. 

Pointy Three, by Adam Stone 

The Baobab, by Gallaudet University 

Zoeygoes Series 

Web 2.0 in Education Initial Thoughts

I have not thought much of the use of Web 2.0 in the educational setting, specifically in regards to k-12 education. So my thoughts are in their initial stages and are likely to change and transform the more I reflect on the question. This being said here are some of my initial thoughts.

            The use of social media and web 2.0 in the classroom will not by itself magically transform education for the better, however I believe that just as it allowed for and contributed to the rise of the “Arab Spring”, it can also lead to transformations within the classroom. One major benefit I see that web 2.0 and Social Media can contribute to education is the possibility of providing a platform in which everyone feels more encouraged sharing his/her own voice. There are various different factors as to why students might not feel comfortable sharing their opinions, thoughts, stories and experiences in the classroom and I think that the use of social media in the classroom has the potential to help give these students a platform to engage in discussions without having to shy away from their true thoughts and experiences.

 In addition I think Web 2.0 has the ability to make education a more interactive experience in that it allows students to become part the larger community that is developing and constructing knowledge.  Through interactive blogs or discussion groups, students might see themselves as important voices that contribute to the classroom and society, rather than just consumers of the voices and opinions of “experts”. This would allow students to understand and take a more critical look at what they are learning. Students no longer just passively receive information but are also contributing to the educational process of themselves and their peers, which could result in more engagement as students feel empowered and valued.

I do however question the negative implications of social media in the classroom, would it discriminate against those students who do not have access to internet technology at home, would students coming from more affluent families with more access to technology be better versed in education that incorporated web 2.0?