Using Classroom Websites to Connect with Parents

While working on creating a website this week I thought about the practicalities of using one for my classroom. A site can be easily designed using google sites or other design options. I think that having a classroom web site will help give parents the basic information they need, allow them to feel more in touch with the classroom and save on resources (paper, copy ink). It is also a great way for students to learn about using websites in a positive way.

As far as web site design I found google sites to be a good free resource. I have used other options such as wordpress and phpbb boards which gives you more options but also requires a little more experience in using. I did find google sites interesting to use primarily because there were things I knew I could do but didn't know where to find it.

Overall I think exposing students to the proper use of websites is very important and having a classroom website is a great way to demonstrate that. It is also a great way to communicate with parents. Homework assignments and classroom projects can be posted so that everyone have the same information in an easy accessible way.

Web Search Engines

I must admit that I find web search engines much easier to use than periodical databases. I use web searches frequently and have found ways to locate what I need quickly and on the first try. The only issue I tend to find is that sometimes you get too much information. I'll also admit I am a google junkie, I use it for everything. Although I will start to use some of the newer engines given to us during that unit of study. There are certain engines that I think will be much more relevant when search for lesson supplements.

As far as using web search engines in the classroom i think they are an important tool for students to use how to learn. 'I googled it" is a common phrase used by this generation of students and it is important to teach them to use other resources that could be more effective to what they are searching for.

I think teaching lessons on researching using the internet, specifically the different types of search engines and what they are used for, would be very beneficial to students. Again this goes back to working with students on reading, writing, and science, areas in which there are endless resources to supplement lessons with. I think it is important to give students valuable search techniques to use to help them educate themselves outside the classroom as well as in it.

Using Periodical Databases

Periodical Databases, useful or to difficult to search? I found the unit on periodical databases rather interesting. I thought I knew how to search and could find things with relative ease until I had to search for an article on periodical database use in the classroom. I believe there are always new ways to learn and finding the best search results is a work in progress. I think the most challenging part for me was finding articles that were relevant. I found some very unique articles that had absolutely nothing to do with what I was looking for and some that were relevant but very outdated. I realized I needed to work on my search techniques in this area because the things I did to search on google and other web engines didn't work the same as on periodical databases.

Periodicals are definitely an important part of classroom research. I know when I work with seniors on their final papers they need to be able to search for journal articles and other periodical resources. I also think that students need to know how to use various search options to get the best information possible.

Overall I think that Periodical Databases are reasonable to use if you put the work into generating a key term list and search parameters. With those in place locating articles that meet your needs is fairly easy. I think using databases in the classroom is important to a student's education especially if they plan to go to college. It is important to expose them to as many search options as possible.

Using Blogs in the Classroom

So this past week I have read a lot about using blogs in the classroom. The academic views vary on the use and purpose of blogging. Personally I think blogs have a place in the classroom as long as there are clear parameters set up for the students to follow. Technology plays such a large role in the world today it seems almost impossible to ignore it in the classroom. Using technology appropriately may also help students get a better grasp on how to use technology.

Several of the articles I read this week were from teacher's journey's into figuring out how to create blogging that students would be interested in, not only in the classroom but to connect for homework or editing purposes. I think blogs, if used in the classroom, need to have a very specific function. Whether it be a writing assignment that they post and peers can give feedback on or a place to have discussions on specific topics blogs can serve a positive component to the classroom.

I think overall my view is similar to those of the articles I read. In time I can see blogs being integrated into the classroom on the regular basis.

Articles I found interesting this week:

Colombo, M., & Colombo, P. (2007). Using Blogs to Improve Differentiated Instruction. Education Digest, 73(4), 10-14. Retrieved from Academic Search Premier database

Churchill, D. (2009). Educational applications of Web 2.0: Using blogs to support teaching and learning. British Journal of Educational Technology, 40(1), 179-183. doi:10.1111/j.1467-8535.2008.00865.x.

Mullen, R., & Wedwick, L. (2008). Avoiding the Digital Abyss: Getting Started in the Classroom with YouTube, Digital Stories, and Blogs. Clearing House, 82(2), 66-69. Retrieved from Academic Search Premier database.

Social Media in the Classroom

EBSCOhost: Social Media in the Classroom

I found this article while doing search for blogging in the classroom. I find it interesting that they suggest using social media (Twitter, Facebook, Blogger) in classroom at the Kindergarten level. The article suggests that starting at such a young age will help students become familiar with social media and the ways to utilize it in a positive way, for academic purposes. I really like some of the ideas discussed such as joining classrooms from other schools and creating guided discussions on specific topics. I think it is a great way for students form all over to country to join together in a positive way. Far too often social media is seen as a negative for teenagers, perpetuating cyber bullying and creating a society of impersonal relationships.

I know that last statement probably sounds like I hate the internet which is the farthest thing from the truth. I use the internet frequently but I find that kids, and some adults, are not taught the safe guards of using the internet. People often find it easy to be anonymous and make hurtful comments that they would never say to someones face. I think using this social media in the classroom would help students better understand etiquette and be aware that they are talking to real people.

Welcome!

So this is my attempt at a blog. Not sure there will be anything too exciting posted here but I will try. In the sidebar I added a google news links with terms that are relevant to class so hopefully something good will pop up! See you all around

An education isn't how much you have committed to memory, or even how much you know. It's being able to differentiate between what you know and what you don't.
Anatole France