Web 2.0 Educator

I chose Wesley Fryer, a dedicated teacher who uses technology in his classroom in great new ways. He keeps his eye on new programs, computers, and other forms of technology that are coming around, but also keeps learning how to work with what we currently have.

He specializes using technology in the classroom with an Apple-biased focus. He is a teacher who thoroughly understands that technology is a great resource that can often bring teaching and learning to the next level. He also strongly supports 1:1, meaning that there should be a 1 laptop to every one student ratio. This will allow students to become more comfortable with computers and learn how to truly use them as tools in their education. While Fryer is a strong supporter of technology, he makes it clear that there is a point when dependence becomes excessive. He wrote about the "internet addiction camps" in China that abuse and harm youth instead of helping to free them from an unnecessary dependence on technology. He also mentions the idea of one-use digital text books and how it may seem appealing, but a real, physical book filled with notes and highlights is still a very valuable tool.

I agree with Fryer that technology is a very important tool in the classroom. Students should be able to utilize computers to advance their education and knowledge. Computers are fantastic tools that need to be brought into the classroom. But with this idea comes another equally important one: computers are just a tool. They are being integrated into our way of life and we are moving into a totally technology driven world. But that doesn't mean technology is the only resource we have. We still have real text books and newspapers that are equally good resources. Students should know how to navigate the internet to find sources, but they should also be able to navigate the library. I think Fryer believes in both of these statements, and because of that, I agree with almost everything I have read from him and want to continue to follow him.