“Creating Valuable Class Websites,” by Elizabeth A. Baker
There are many difficulties when trying to incorporate technology in the classroom. Most teachers understand that students can benefit from using computer technology in the classroom, but they often come across obstacles. Some common problems are: teachers don’t know how to set up websites, students can only access the internet at school, there is only 1 computer in the classroom, students can only use computers when in the computer lab, or teachers wanting their students to be safe, so they avoid the internet. Even though setting up websites, or using the computer can be challenging for someone who is not tech savvy, there are many ways and tools out there that can help you become technologically successful in the classroom. Websites like Scholastic.com allows you to create your own website for free, and is available to anyone. Other websites like Blogger.com allows anyone to set up a free blogging account. These are two fun and creative ways for students to enhance their learning. Even if students can only visit the computer lab once a week, it can still work. Students can post weekly blogs to reflect on lessons they have learned in class. Students do not have to have 24- 7 access to technology to thrive. Even a little bit of exposure can make a big difference.
I would like to use blogging in my classroom. I think it is a great way for students to reflect on material covered in class. It can be something for my students to look forward to each week when we go to the computer lab. I think blogging really gets them exposure to the web. They can also make their pages a reflection of who they are. This is also a great way for distant family members to keep up on what their children and grandchildren are doing. I think it is important to understand that students do not have to be on a computer all the time to grow in technology. Even when they are only exposed to it once in a while, it can make a big difference in their knowledge, and I also think that it gives them something to look forward to.
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Ashleigh, you make a great point in your first paragraph. When its fun for the student, whether its scholastic. com or blogger.com; anything done via internet is a learning tool and fun! With most things in life, the small steady steps for children or adults are intimately a big help in one's self esteem. Carrying it onto your next paragragh, it is also a fantastic way to allow students to express themselves in ways they may not be able to in the classroom. Allowing a student to create their own network page, gives them experience but also time to refine and become more experienced and more comfortable communicating via internet.
ReplyDeleteI think blogging is a good idea for students as well. It gives the teacher a chance to get to know the student and where they are struggling or benefiting from the subjects learned in class and it also gives the students a chance to reabsorb the information learned.
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