Using Web 2.0 tools

First and foremost, let me say that as I have been teaching kindergarten/first grade/second grade multi-age classroom, my use of web 2.0 tools for instruction has been relatively non-existent (some second grade internet research during the water study unit). and I expect if I stay with the same age group it will continue to be limited. That is not to say there aren't some valid uses though, even for these younger ages. I think web tools can be useful to create graphic organizers for younger elementary students. I think that creating a class website where parents can check in on whats been happening is an excellent use of the web interface. I also will be attempting to integrate some podcasting/audio lessons that can accompany homework, and perhaps work with second grade students on there own audio responses. I think even at young ages, web tools can allow for some process/product differentiation, relative to student facility with and teacher willingness to train about computer and web skills.
In my work as a theatre teacher, with older students, I think that there is a great deal more I can do with the web. Online discussions of reading could save in-class time. Video production and uploading would be a great way to make that theatre-film connection that is so vital in the modern arts world. I could have students blog about performances they have seen. I could have students do podcasts of their monologues or scenes.
I believe there is definitely a place for web and technology tools in the classroom, but student age and facility have to be taken into account. I will be using it with my older theatre students (3rd grade and older). And I would like to explore ways to have students in the younger ages be involved, even if there capacity is limited (we know children are tech savvy, but I don't want them blogging when we are working on their vowel sounds).
One thing I have gained from this course is an appreciation for the educational value of the web beyond doing background/informational research. It has value as a tool to connect students and teachers with their resources and with each other that I will attempt to integrate in my work with older students.