Working with such young media users (K-5) and with such a large number of students (over 700) proves a difficult challenge when it comes to opening the doors to the Read/Write web in such a way that is educationally beneficial as well as safe and monitored; however, looking through this chapter, I gained a multitude of ideas. Social Bookmarking is a great way to offer safe, appropriate, and approved sites in one location to allow students the ease of researching in a more controlled environment. I also think that Diigo sounds like a great resource for students to post work, share, and receive quick feedback. I will have to do more research into this source! Additionally, I was a little intimidated by Twitter, but after reading chapter 6 find myself ready to open an account! However, I am not sure how ready my students are for this type of environment in the music classroom. I am sure it is better served for a homeroom classroom. I do use Edmodo often, and think that using this site like Twitter to prepare students for that reality may be a great starting point. But as Richardson says, "regardless of how you might think about Twitter in the classroom remember, the short (140 character or less) lesson is this: Think about Twitter for yourself first." I think I'll take his advice. I'll let you know how it goes!
Richardson, Will. Pedagogy and Practice from Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts, and Other Powerful Web Tools for Classrooms. 3rd ed. Thousand Oaks, California: Corwin, 2010. p. 97-112. eBook
I feel much the same way about Twitter in my room. I'm not sure that my middle schoolers are quite ready for that sort of audience yet. I've certainly used it to help develop professional connections, though. For that, and finding resources, it can be an invaluable tool.
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