Week 15 - Internet tools in the classroom

Hello blog -

I'd like to discuss my thoughts on Week 14's class about internet tools.

The tools we discussed included online Word Processing, Classroom Blogs and Wikis, Learning "games" and Teacher-centered tools (rubric makers, etc.). Before getting into each, I'll add some of my own thoughts on the Pros/Cons that we discussed in class.

Pros -

Provided there is internet access, internet tools are always there - accessible anytime (home, school, etc.).
Some are free, and don't require downloading/installing anything.
They save on paper.
They facilitate class discussion and collaboration.

Cons -

Require internet access & computer.
Some cost money to use, especially for features linked to customization and privacy.
Free products are sometimes of questionable quality.
Internet collaboration is different (less personal) than actual collaboration.

Many of these pros/cons are the same as all technology use as it relates to classroom application. Cost, home access and lack of personal contact all seem to be universal cons, while saving paper and anytime access are typical pros in addition to the novelty, or additional learning context that technology provides.

As far as specific tools that I can see myself using in a classroom...

Because most class computers already come with word processing software, the only way I can see a use for something like Google Docs or a class Wiki is to make homework more collaborative, where multiple students can work/edit things without having to physically be next to one another or work at the same time. The blog seems like more of a teacher tool to post homework assignments, reminders and event schedules. Student blogging can be cool, but the idea that things posted on the internet are there for all to see makes me a little wary. I've heard of news stories (who knows if the issue is overblown or not) where students are bullying each other through the use of text/instant messages and the comments page on the blogs seems like a similar scenario could take place. The learning "games" websites seemed good at first glance, but I'd have to spend more time checking them out before I could definitively say they are useful in the classroom - I played one game about weather that was interesting for a brief amount of time. Maybe they could be used as a "free-time" option for students who are done with their work and waiting for something else to do (similar to reading a library book). The teacher tools like rubistar and all the grading/class organization/management stuff seems useful, but again, privacy is a big concern when dealing with individual student's grades or information. Student assigned numbers might be a work-around to keep things anonymous, but then is it becoming too much of a chore?

All in all, it was a very useful class in that it was dealing with tools that could potentially help me in my own classroom in the future. Checking out the sites and discussing the requirements was a good way to become familiar with the procedure for using these resources in the future. Without going through that process, I might anticipate they would be harder to use or too much trouble when in reality they're not.