What Are These Tools For?

An interesting article (from a very useful site) on how the creation of online content using Web 2.0 tools is developing students who are active participants in the information society. It points out their need to receive guidance and understanding on how to act responsibly in this environment. In order to provide that guidance, teachers and information professionals need to understand the tools and how to use them and to then create assignments that address the 3Rs (they didn't use that term, but that's what it means!)--research, reliable resources, and responsible use. We can't dismiss Web 2.0 tools--whether wikis or online photo editors--as toys. They are tools for content creation, collaboration, research presentations, and more. All part of the 21st Century skills. Read more about it: Student Content Creators: Convergence of Literacies.