I’m excited about many of the Web 2.0 applications now available and their potential impact for instruction. However, because they’re often based upon outside sharing and collaboration, our IT Department is recommending that these Web sites be blocked to protect students. Is this appropriate?
Blocking these sites may be a quick and easy short term solution. However, we sell our students short when we avoid using tools because problems will arise. As Web 2.0 applications become increasingly sophisticated, educators need to determine how we can capitalize on the strengths of these tools and also teach students appropriate use. This is a tall order, but visionary school leaders always remember that our job is to prepare students for their future, and then figure out ways to make that happen.
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