Web 2.0 in Public Schools

I’ve been thinking for a couple of months now about how I can make a good  (the best) case for using web 2.0 tools in public school classes.  I mean, not just using them – google maps and other tools are awesome for gathering data – but allowing students to gain skills producing and distributing their ideas into the great platform of the Internet.  This allows them to participate in local, and global conversations and to experience that effect.  While I am interested in full, unhindered access to these tools and the use of them to share content, I’m certainly interested in any attempt to move in this direction.

It seems that many public school systems are fearful or have policy against this idea for one of several reasons.  It is not always easy to ensure the security of content that is published online.  It’s not possible to guarantee the accessibility of that content in the future.  Legally, many schools may not feel that they have control over the content that distributed publicly from the students that they are responsible for. How can a school manage the content that does become available online?

This raises many questions for me.  Is it possible for students to create content, as a class project for example, and post it online without the school system needing to take responsibility.  What kind of legal agreement can be made to allow a teacher to maintain responsibility, for parents to agree.  What burden does this place on the teacher?  How can i engage in a meaningful conversation with the school system about these ideas?

Too much to think about. I’ll be sure to write more as I have these conversations.