Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts and Other Powerful Web Tools for Classrooms by Will Richardson

Hi Everyone:

I recently delivered a presentation on energizing the classroom using various Web 2.0 tools.. I used Will Richardson's book, "Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts, and Other Powerful Web Tools for Classrooms" as a guide to get started in using social software for education. The book provides a clear definition of WebLogs, Wikis, RSS, The Social Web, Podcasting and other Web 2.0 Tools that can offer students a dynamic online experience at low cost using established, largely free software tools.

The following were especially relevant to my presentation:

WebLogs that provide a good way for students to collaborate with people inside and outside the classroom.
RSS, which Will calls the New Killer App for Education
Wikis that provide easy collaboration.
The Social Web: Learning Together
Podcasting and Screencasting.

These Web 2.0 tools are described clearly and are supported by many examples. The last chapter details the meaning of social software for educators by describing what he calls the "Big Shifts" (the first Big Shift:Open Content)

I would recommend this book for anyone interested in Web 2.0 and its application to education. The only caveat is that some of the examples are outdated.