Do you want students to learn about web 2.0- try google analytics!!

I have recently been teaching OCR Nationals, Technological Innovation and E Commerce (Unit 8). When it comes to making ICT real, this has got to be one of the best units from the wide selection available.

One assessment objectives regards investigating a technological innovation. The way we have done it is by allowing students to explore the world of blogging- more importantly though- we have looked at all the web 2.0 wlwmwnts that you can bring into a blog. The students have responded most to "google analytics". They have found it fascinating to see how professional bloggers adapt what they write to their audience and also to see the amount of feedback you can recieve. It also allows them a deep understanding series of careers that they may otherwise not even know exists.

This is something that I will definitely do again, when students show that they understand how to make money from a blog through adsense and ca track their users and then create content for them- this has to be exciting real education!

Presentations Using Animoto

Animoto is a great presentation. I have been using it recently with my students- they have found it a quick and easy way of producing professional quality presentations- I fear the days of death by PowerPoint are numbered! It is also a neat way of introducing the students to web 2.0, as they can create blogs and (network permissions allowing) they are able to post their presentations on the blog. Therefore creating contant and sharing it instantly- give it a try.

I have used this as a great way into Unit 8 (New Technologies and E Commerce) of the OCR Nationals- the response has been universally excellent!