In an era in which the cell phone text message is the new classroom spit wad, it makes sense for educators to explore how the most recent online tools can enable learning rather than distract from it. Thus, in this issue, T&L takes a broad and deep look at Web 2.0 from a variety of perspectives that influence the landscape of school today.
In a slight departure from our usual cover feature format, David Warlick's "A Day in the Life of Web 2.0" walks you through eight hours in the day of a school and community that's successfully integrating blogs, RSS, podcasts, wikis, and other cutting-edge, collaborative communication tools.
Complimenting Warlick's feature is Jeff Branzburg's How To column, which examines the nuts and bolts of creating your own podcasts for use with students or colleagues. In this issue we also introduce our first interactive version of the column with Branzburg's sample podcast. Look for this new feature each month.
The visual communication side of Web 2.0 is the focus of this month's Digital Media in the Classroom, where we show you how students are influencing the shape of class projects via digital photos and video. We also offer expert tips for integrating Flickr, Google Earth, and other visual tools into lessons across the board.
Meanwhile, Susan Brooks-Young provides practical ways all stakeholders can harness Web 2.0 to more efficiently work through the proposal process ("Get It Done Online"). Continuing in the vein of efficient management, in "Assessing Your Assets," Patricia Holub gets you up to speed on how best to keep track of your IT resources.
Also be sure not to miss Kristen Kennedy's review of the writing tool Clicker 5, the debut of the One-to-One series, and Managing Editor Mark Smith's column about voice recognition software. Enjoy!
