Read. Think. Write. Repeat.

I'm not sure where I read it first (probably from Will Richardson), but a common phrase to describe what all these web 2.0 technologies enable in the classroom is "Read. Think. Write. Repeat."

You begin by reading blogs or other websites (often via RSS). You then think about, analyze, connect, and synthesize your thoughts. Then you write (either a comment to another post or post in your own blog). Others do the same to your posts. As the conversation evolves, so does your thinking and you repeat the whole process.

So, you can read what other people are writing (via Blogs and RSS), write about what you are thinking (via your own Blog and commenting on other blogs), get feedback on what you are writing and thinking (via comments to your blog and comments on your comments on other blogs), and even read what other people are reading (by following their Del.icio.us bookmarks). And instead of doing this in relative isolation with just a few close friends or colleagues, you are conducting these conversations worldwide. And - if you take the leap - your students will be as well.

The 21st century truly does bring new opportunities - and new literacies - that we as teachers need to master and help our students master. It's a connected and collaborative world out there - become a part of it and add your voice to the conversation.

(For a great overview of some of these technologies, you might consider buying Will Richardson's book - Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts, and Other Powerful Web Tools for Classrooms or from Amazon.)