Web Page Building

I think the concept of using web pages for classes may seem intimidating for some teachers. There's a lot that goes into building traditional web pages and it is, at times, complicated. However, websites like scholastic.com have made this process that much less intimidating. This website has laid out, step-by-step, how to make this website happen even at the most basic level. There's free software available, These websites have made it that much more easier to "teach old dog new tricks." :) Once you meet it "head on", web page building doesnt seem as daunting as it is to learn HTML and all that other programmatic lingo to build the website for your classes! Enjoy!

School Web Pages

School web pages are so practical these days. The communication with the school district are now on a much more regular basis. Parents and students are now able to access the school's/class information much easier. Both parents and students can now refer to the school's websites for updates with district wide events, policies, and any other pertinent district information. Districts may post teacher's district emails for more rapid and effective communication among teachers, parents, and administration.

Although, the websites are convenient for teachers and parents, it can be difficult to maintain and manage on a regular basis for the districts. Depending on the size of the school districts, there may be too many updates to maintain on a regular basis. Sometimes school districts may lag on updating the websites. Smaller districts, however, can use the district size to its advantage and maintain the websites up-to-date.

Schools Try Separating Boys From Girls

(image taken from NYTimes website 3/10/2009)

I heard about this a while ago and stumbled upon it again on the NY Times website. To everything there are pros and cons. It is very true that girls and boys learn differently and at different paces. Although, learning together is part of their development process. This is not to say that I agree or disagree with separating them. I wanted to put it out there and share it. If you want to comment back, that's fine and appreciated. Again, something to think about. :)

SchoolTube

I thought this was a great idea. A website that will be used to the potential that some others could've been used for if not for all the other not-so-productive material. SchoolTube, of course, will take a while before it hits a note with students because we all know how students can be - positive things generally tend not to be "cool." SchoolTube could work for its intents and purpose. I would love to use it within the classroom. SchoolTube will definitely be helpful and useful in the classroom.

Just a thought! :)

Web - Based Educational Resources

I came to the stark realization a few years ago that I was not creative. I seem to lack that gene that puts the spark in people to create and produce fresh ideas to contribute. I worry, sometimes, well, alot, that the lack of creativity will be a hindrance for me. I really think it will be. If and only IF I let it.

While watching the "Education in Second Life" video, the narrator said something along lines of - anything that you need has already been created, as an educator, you just need to figure a way to use it within your classroom. With all this technology, this is very true. And it's not to say that you must always copy someone's work. Feel free to create new and original ideas that will help your students grasp the concepts/ideas. However, if you're like me, the technology is there to be a useful support system. One that you can consult when those ideas are just not coming. Use the ideas that people are freely offering to share (the reason why they are on the internet, since you can now find just about anything.) and modify them for your classroom. It's called being "resourceful". Just give the credit where credit is due. :)

Blogging

Through the course of this class, I've been responding to the other blogs before I have posted my own. I realize now that I should blog first and then post responses to other blogs. I say this because I may be repeating some things that I have may have posted as a response to others and because I may be inadvertently repeating some blogs.

In any case, blogging allows us to freely express our opinions and thoughts about any given topic. I look at blogging much like text messaging. I am sending out a message that, although I would like a response and some feedback, I do not require one. As such, you can post your response when ever the opportunity arises, if you'd like, of course. Because you can sit down when the time is available, you can also take the time to process thoughts to better express yourself if it is a little harder to do so verbally. Everyone communicates differently. Blogging opens the door up for communication with people outside of the constraints of a classroom where time, face-to-face contact (can be an issue at times), outside elements always come into play. A person can freely sit down at their computer without having to worry about getting to their next class, catching the bus, thinking about parking tickets, etc. etc.

A blog is also out there for the world to see. Although there are pros and cons to this, as are with anything, the pros seem to outweigh the cons. A blog can be very useful. Communication is now open with people that are not in your immediate circle. This also allows for different kinds of constructive criticism you may otherwise not get. :)

Inspiration

I must admit that I am still amazed at what the advancement of technology has done for education. Yet, many, understandably, cannot implement certain things into the classroom. Programs like Inspiration and Kidspiration are such helpful programs for planning lessons and activities for students. After playing with Inspiration for a little while, I kept thinking of things I can produce for my students as I do my student teaching. My mind was all over the place as I started to try one feature, I would discover another one that would help me do another kind of activity. I attempted to create a something, but I did get distracted with the next feature that I discovered.

I hadn't thought about how to have the students use Inspiration. I thought Inspiration was a program that only teachers used. Through my search for ideas for a lesson, however, I discovered that other teachers (on the internet) have created assignments in which students used Inspiration. That was interesting. I look forward to being able to use such programs in the future to enhance the lessons and activities my students engage in.