Web 2.0 can be a wonderful place where life and learning can take place. However, unlike emails and searching for information, it is interactive and information can be viewed by almost anyone with a computer and Internet capabilities. Here is what you and your students can do to ensure that the experience is positive and safe for all.


1. Personal Information: Never give out any personal information such as last names, phone numbers, addresses, and your employer.

2. Photographs: Never have it focused on any one person, and never include full names with them. Also, try and have it so that there are no visible signs of where you are located, like a school name and address in the background. These are small things that are often overlooked.


3. “Surf first”: As the educator it is important that you search the site before you assign it to your students. Do this at school to ensure that the server allows it to be viewed, that the computers have all the needed updates, and it is not an outdated site. There is nothing worse for a student who wants to do a project than not being able to load the needed pages.

4. Ask you students: Find out who has already had some experience with the platform that you are using. This can enable you to use them as an assistant and help when students are having trouble. See if they have other sites that are easier to use or they find more meaningful. If you keep them included they will take ownership to the next level.

5. Ask your Colleagues: One person’s weaknesses are an others strength. Speak with the people around you who have already worked with what you are planning to do. This can help prevent loosing time on something that doesn’t work as well as you think it will.

6. Share your ideas: As you are learning and growing share your lessons and experiences with those who could benefit or would like to try it in the future. This will help you gain recognition for what you have done and create a network of people who you can teach and learn from. (Don’t just talk; create a Wiki or a Blog of your own.)

7. PD, PD, and more PD: Professional Development is key to maintaining your high tech savvy ways. Take advantage of what your school or community offers to ensure that you will always be at your best and able to keep in step with your students…or be one step ahead.

8. Experiment: Sometimes you need to take a chance and try to create something out of something that isn’t quite there yet. Play around with the programs before you teach them and take something that is already there and add to it with different tools, you will be surprised with what you may come up with.

9. Read: Things change fast in the world of technology so reading is an easy way to keep up to date with what’s hip and what’s not. There are many articles and reviews online that anyone can view for free.

10. Keep things simple: Just because you can have a dozen blogs doesn’t mean you should. Keep passwords simple and usernames the same whenever possible. Stick to one email address for updates so you are not jumping all over the place for your information. Write the information you need down and bookmark sites for easy access.


Know of other helpful hints for Web 2.0? Add them to the comments!