Chapter 6 Reflection

Now that I have access to the Web, how can I use it effectively?

Using technology in the classroom is to the teacher’s advantages.  Not only does it increase student participation and real-life skills, it also increases parent involvement and encourages communication.  Different ways of using technology in the classroom could be developing a class web site where students and parents can go to get the latest information on what is happening inside the classroom.  Blogs are another way to use the Web effectively. Whether teachers talk about the latest information regarding the subject they teach or whether it is a blog about the life of a teacher, utilizing a blog is a way to keep connected with others and stay informed of the latest information.  Another way to use the Web is to utilize the many different Web 2.0 tools that can be useful in the classroom.  Many of these tools are free or either discounted for teachers.

How do I manage students’ use of the Web in my class?

The utilization of the Web is a great asset for teachers to have in their classrooms however, it can also become a teacher’s worst enemy.  Teacher’s need to teach their students first and foremost that using computers is a privilege and there are rules that must be followed.  It is the teacher’s job to remind students about the school’s internet policies and the consequences for not adhering to those policies.  Once the rules have been established, teachers need to closely monitor their students while they are on the computers.  Computer time should not be used for the purpose of “free time.”  When students are on the computers it needs to be for a specific reason and time limits need to be enforced.

Which features of the Web do I use?

Deciding which features of the Web to use will be up to each individual teacher.  Each person will have their own specific needs and interests.  What is best though is to explore all options and then decide which features are a good fit and which ones are not.

Morrison, G. & Lowther, D. (2010).  Integrating Computer Technology Into the Classroom:  Skills for the 21st Century.  Boston: Pearson.