After watching Alan November’s video on 3 skills students need to succeed, I have concluded that the students own the learning because in the first skill which is students have to process large amounts of information it is the job of the students to sift through and pick out the most important ideas.  It is our job as educators to guide students in weeding through all the information out there.  I totally agree with Alan about his second skill in to work globally.  This is very important because jobs are being outsourced which makes it difficult to actually find jobs in the United States.  If we teach the younger generation the skills need to work in the global community then maybe they will have a better time finding employment.  Alan’s third and final skill need for students is to be self-directed.  There is no need for bosses or management.  This really takes the middle man out and cuts the cost.  No need for discipline or someone to tell them what to do.  In the YouTube video by Alan November he gives three study skills that students needs to succeed.  The first was being  able to process the information which includes organization, being able to sift through the information then lastly add value to information and move on.  Number two was being able to work globally.  Acquiring the skills to communicate with the world to organize, communicate and being able to solve world problems. Lastly, was being able to be self-directed, which requires discipline skills that you don't need managing. After viewing and assessing the video(notes). reading my blog partners blog and Google doc we both agree that the student owns the learning experience. we as educators are to guide and assist  the students in the sifting or weeding process of the mass information that is available.

One Laptop per child is a Non profit organization their mission is to able to supply laptops to children in the poorest populations. Each child between the ages of 6 and 12 will have their own laptop that they can take home .  The laptop mention in video was the XO that works under stuff conditions, are low power connect to the internet, and have free software.   Wow what a great idea, I will investigate this organization later and share information.
The One Laptop Per Child Program offers low cost, durable laptop for children in the poorest nations.  The "XO" allows the poorest children to use technology that they probably would have never received if this program did not exist.  It allows them to collaborate with other students around the world which is a awesome experience for anyone.  Here in the United States Maine is leading the way in providing laptops to every Middle School student.  I know this might sound expensive the but the benefits in the long run are tremendous.  Educators will be able to differentiate learning if every student has laptops.  For more information about the article I included a link:  http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25782209/#.ULfwkqzaKSp

Here are three more applications and programs that are emerging technologies:
1.  A way of better communication between educators, parents and students
2. Game design courses better prepare students for careers
3.  Allows students to see the real world through virtual objects

Prezi is great web 2.0 tool for visual learners and it is a great way to differentiate instruction in the classroom.  However, it does take some practice getting used to how the program works.  With most teachers using PowerPoint or Smart Notebook for class presentation the transitions to Prezi will be easier then first time users to the two programs.  Prezi has the basic features as the two programs but instead information is put into shapes instead of slides with bullets.   This is a basic Prezi I created about Election Day in Ohio.

Wallwisher is another great tool to use in the classroom.  This tool is very easy to use because it has the same basic concept as Diigo with the idea of sticky notes.  Wallwisher allows teachers to collaborate with other teachers and students by sharing information on the board.  Notes can be taken on the wall and videos can be viewed or even shared.  Here is a wall that I created about lowering the voting age.  This was actually a activity I did with my students at the Mahoning County Career and Technical Center.  The students read a Upfront article on lower the voting age.  Following this I wrote down words or phrases describing if they were "for" or "against" lowering the voting age.  This is what the four government classes came up with.

The last web 2.0 tool that I used was Thinglink.  This tool take a picture and embeds text, music, videos and links to websites that can be explored.  It is a great tool for visual learners because it involves a pictures with information attached.  In this case the picture is the central focus and the information comes second.  Here is Thinglink I created for election day to keep up with theme for my government classes.