This document discusses new communication tools that students are using such as blogs, wikis, forums, texting and social networks. It provides examples of how blogs, wikis and discussion forums can be used in the classroom to encourage collaboration, communication and sharing of information between students. The rewards of using these tools include developing 21st century skills and increasing student engagement. However, there are also risks such as legal/ethical issues, technical problems, exposure to inappropriate content, and lack of teacher training.

1. Incorporating 21st Century Skills Critical thinking Creativity and innovation Collaboration Communication Global awareness

2. What are the new communication styles that students are using? Blogs Wikis Forums Texting Social Networks

3. Blogs A blog is a place where you can post anything – news, opinions, ideas, links The entries are written in chronological order and displayed in reverse chronological order. Readers can read the blog and then comment on it. They don’t change the original message.

4. Suggestions for Classroom Use - Blog Students share feelings about a current event and others can react. Students share information they have discovered about a topic allowing others to comment Student posts writing for peer review

5. Wikis A wiki is a collaborative website that can be directly edited by anyone that has access to it. A wiki is essentially a database for creating, browsing and searching information. Wikis work very well for shared projects. Users can easily add, edit or remove information.

6. Suggestions for Classroom Use – Wiki Students plan a class project. Each group must decide on procedures, timeline, final product presentation. Students work together to solve a problem. They can collaborate on strategies and eventualsolutions. Teacher can begin a discussion with students about a topic and students contribute during the week.

7. Discussion Forums A forum allows for threaded discussions on varying topics. A forum can have a common theme to the entire forum, but multiple discussions can then be started by anyone with access

8. Suggestions for Classroom Use -Discussion Forum Students each read a chapter of a book and share resources learned. They can comment on others’ details and information. Students can discuss steps for problem-solving a math problem. Students discuss the variables from a science experiment and reach a consensus.

9. What are the rewards? 21st Century Skills Communication Collaboration Student interest Home/School connection

10. What are the rewards? Students create, contribute, comment Students analyze information from a variety of sources Students understand appropriate, useful information Reluctant students participate

11. What are the risks? Legal and ethical rules Technical issues, viruses, scams Misleading or bad information Online behavior

12. What are the risks? Unfamiliar/unsafe environment Openness of web and exposure to inappropriate material Student understanding of educational value of new tools Lack of teacher training