Case+2

**Case Title: Poetry Mentoring Project**

**Case Description:**

The Web 2.0 tools that was used in this case was an elearning platform called ICZ (Idea Construction Zone). Though we were not familiar with this particular Web 2.0 tool, apparently it is a platform that allows communication and collaboration through a variety of social networking tools such as drawing, video, and audio.
 * **Web 2.0 tools used**

This case involves 27 preservice teachers in Canada involved in mentoring two classes of 50 Tanzinian students in grades four through six.
 * **Context: when, where, who, why**

The subject for the case was online poetry mentoring. The learning objedtive was to establish meaningful dialogue in an attempt to extend student learning and deepen understanding. (The poetry element was chosen because of the difficulty that the preservice teachers expressed with the subject.
 * **Subject and learning objectives**

Idea Construction Zone was used to mentor students online in poetry. The students and teachers used the Web 2.0 tools to read, write, and discuss poetry. The tools also provided a great opportunity for interaction and collaboration.
 * **How Web 2.0 tools were used**

It was helpful to know that most teachers will feel some apprehension when the first begin to use the Web 2.0 tools.
 * **Key findings**


 * **Other critical information**

**Case Evaluation:**

It appears that the tools affordable on Idea Construction Zone were utilized very effectively. The teachers did a good job using a variety of the tools instead of simply limiting it to writing. For instance, using the video and audio to help the students with reading their poems provided some great modeling. It was interesting to note that the students became highly engaged when pictures got involved in the process.
 * **Evaluate the ways Web 2.0 technologies were used**

As with case one, this case required the preservice teachers and the students to become familiar with Web 2.0 tools. Many of those involved had very little experience with Web 2.0. You would have to spend some time getting both groups familiar and comfortable with the use of the Web 2.0 tools that were utilized in the mentoring program. The article mentioned the use of drawing, video, and audio tools. In the process of wanting to mentor students in poetry, you would have to be prepared to help both groups become proficient in their use of the tools. The weakness of this approach is the tendency of the teachers to use the wikis in a very traditional manner instead of tapping into its amazing opportunities.
 * **Identify strengths and weakness of the instructional methods and strategies used**

Our group overall enjoyed the mentoring idea. It is a fantastic way to foster and encourage collaborative learning in a very safe and engaging environment. The way to improve this might be requiring the teachers to use the wikis in some of the more non-traditional writing methods.
 * **Team’s suggestions for improvement**

**References:**

Gadanidis, G., Hoogland, C., & Hughes, J., (2008). Teaching and learning in a Web 2.0 environment: Three case studies. Retrieved on February 28, 2011 from the International Journal of Instructional Technology & Distance Learning Web site: http://www.sicet.org/journals/ijttl/issue0802/4_2_4_Gadinidis_Hoogland_hughes.pdf