Article # 3--Creating Valuable Class Websites

The third article I read, Baker provides three different methods and a slew of resources for helping professional educators for jump starting their web based classrooms. Baker recognizes the skepticism and concerns that most teachers feel when using web 2.0 tools such as creating a online environment for their students. However, he ensures that it is not as difficult as most might think and really depends on the final product trying to be achieved.

Method one is a very simple, low cost route that allows teachers to create a web site in under a few hours. For those that aren’t very computer and technology savvy this might be the best route to take. However, the layout and tools available to the creator might be limited; it gets the point across, and still has lots to offer.

Method two requires a bit more work, time, and thought. In return, students will have more learning utilities available to them. Utilizing tools like blogs, groups, and wikis, students will be able to collaboratively work together through this type of class site. This method is more interactive than the first and allows input from more than just the creator.

Method three isn’t for everyone but has the most to offer. If the teacher is willing to spend a little to get a little; flexibility and satisfaction is what they will get. Baker acknowledges that a little bit of learning and patience is the key to creating a web based class site but will in the end; offer the most to their students.

For myself, I feel I would go with the third method. I don’t think there is any substitute for well executed, clear education. If I can offer the most to my students I want to provide them with the best. I have a fairly strong background when it comes to creating web sites and the sacrifice of cost is something I would be willing to make.

Resource

Baker, E. A. (2008, May). Creating valuable class web sites. Learning and Leading with Technology, 35(7), 18-21.

Article # 2--Computing in The Clouds

I really like the idea that Johnson brings up in his “Computing in The Clouds” article. What he is suggesting is that schools need a more efficient and cost sensitive way to utilize technology and web 2.0 applications. It can be very expensive to stock a school with full fledged computer systems and really aren’t all that efficient when it comes to data storage and versatility. Johnson feels that moving into internet and web based program usage such as Google Docs is a more efficient way for students and teachers to use these technological resources.

Really what Computing in The Clouds involves, is moving away from computer to computer mainstream program usage and making the best of what is provided over the internet and no cost. The bigger picture is allowing students, faculty and, parents to get by using cheap but still efficient computing systems like net books, tablets, iPads, and others. There is no need for data storage devices like hard drives and thumb drives because all of the information, documents, and data are stored right in the internet. This makes for easy access wherever you are world-wide without the need to be on one given computer that you started the work.

I think schools are actually already beginning to adopt this style of technology use. Schools in Escondido have incorporated small laptops and iPads into the classroom that can be rented out to individual students to work on at home. Since everything is versatile through the internet there is no need for a student to have the same system that they started their work on. If repairs are needed to be made than another system can be substituted in until repairs are finalized.

I don’t think we are really that far from requiring students to add these tools like net books on their school supply list. The cost is so minimal that it’s very plausible to ask parents to make the move into a more technology based learning environment. I would definitely consider making this decision in my own classroom. The benefits are so great that I believe the support would be tremendous.

Resource

Johnson, D. (2009-10, January). Computing in the clouds. Learning & Leading with Technology, 37(4), 16-20.

Article #1--Who are Today's Learners?

Greenhow wrote the article “Who are Today’s Learns?” to open up the controversial idea of using technology in the classroom. Her main concern was to pinpoint the level in which students and teachers alike feel comfortable administering and executing academic exercises. Through the process of focus groups with middle school aged students, it was made clear that students are most involved with school activities that included new age technology such as computers, but not limited to just basic computer functions such as word processing and spreadsheet programs. Student’s voiced their desire of utilizing the use of more intricate web 2.0 tools such as social interacting websites, emailing, and cell phones.

It’s really the job of the teacher to analyze their classroom and the comfort level that their students feel using this new age technology. If a classroom shows the willingness and desire to learn these technology schools then they should be implemented into the classroom to help give these kids an edge on necessary skills that will prepare them for real life readiness. In a world that relies heavily on technology to perform daily tasks, then it only makes sense to implement them into the class room. Taking into consideration the low income schools where children might not have access outside of the class room, it can be hard to require students to use things like computers. A medium has to be met between economic classes.

I feel that I personally would include these technological tools in my class in a way that fits the curriculum. Obviously you can only do so much depending on the age of the students, but pushing them as far as I could is something I want to make sure I strive to do. Something as simple as distributing homework through a class website which requires a student to log in can be useful. Using their own personal username and password can introduce a child to the use of web 2.0 benefits.

Resource

Greenhow, C. (2008, September/October). Who are today’s learners?Learning & Leading with Technology, 16-17.

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