Web 2.0 Learning Tools

Many public libraries offer free computer classes to patrons of all ages. As an instructor for such classes I’m constantly thinking about different ways to educate adult learners. Recently I started thinking about the benefits of using social networking sites like MySpace and Facebook to help adults improve basic computing skills.

To adults who grew up in a world where black and white television was considered an advanced technology, the thought of learning to use a computer can be daunting. We need to help adults think of PCs as fun tools instead of scary tools. Social networking sites could offer them the opportunity to improve computing skills, including:

• typing
• using a mouse
• formatting text
• creating a blog
• uploading images
• and even learning basic HTML
  

Such a class would not be appropriate for beginners but might be a fun way to help intermediate students build on their skills.