Why use Web 2.0 in ELT?

Teachers should not miss the opportunity to include Web 2.0 tools in our lessons. 
According to Nick Peachy1, Learning Technology Consultant, Writer and Trainer, Web 2.0 has a number of features that can provide students with new ways of learning. 

• Socialisation - Web 2.0 allows users to interact through a huge variety of ways. Students can put into practice their language skills while socialising.
• Collaboration - This is a very important feature of Web 2.0. Students are no longer alone while working on their computer, but they can work together from different computers on one same file. Prezi and Mural.ly (two tools that are mentioned in this blog) allow students to work collaboratively.
• Creativity - It is even more and more surprising the many tools that include different media within the same product. Students can create excellent productions.
• Authenticity - Web 2.0 has opened a window to a wider range of authentic material. This kind of material is useful as well as motivating.
• Sharing - Almost every tool gives the user the chance to share their final production with their classmates or their teacher. 
As Michael Thomas says a blog allows students to “participate in more dynamic, immediate,

and communicative environments that provide opportunities for meaningful experiences through social constructivist learning2^”

Jonassen, Carr, and Yueh (1998) described “computer applications as mind tools", and continues to say that “mind tools scaffold different forms of reasoning about content"3

Web 2.0 foster stundent’s planning, decision-making and self-management skills when they are

used in ways to promote reflection, discussion,and problem-solving.4
The purpose of this blog is to provide students the opportunity to explore and work with five different Web 2.0 tools that allow them use English language and participate actively in the classroom.

The blog explores five tools: Avatar Maker, Professor Garfield Comics Lab, ISSUU, PREZI and Mural.ly. 
You are also provided with the tutorials for each tool.
Hope you find it useful and entertaining! You are welcome to comment the tutorials as well as the activities.

The name of the blog refers to the fact that students are no longer passive spectators, but they can turn into active participants. So... Don't stay cool and take a tool!

1Peachy, N(2008).: "Web 2.0 Tools for Teachers"
² Thomas, M.(2009): “Handbook of Research on Web 2.0 and Second Language Learning” Nagoya University of Commerce and Business, Japan. Cap XX, page 368
³ Idem
⁴ Idem