Chapter 6 - Reflection Questions

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

As a teacher, you could use the Web as a search ingine like Google that allows your students to do research on a topic during class time.  You could also use it as a collaborative tool that allows students to share information back and forth with each other on websites such as Googledocs.  You could also use the Web as a communication tool to email, Skype and conference with parents.  Lastly, you could make your classroom accessible on the web through a classroom website so parent could view grades, policies, and homework assignments.

2.  How do I manage students' use of the Web in my class?

You should start by explaining to your students, the rules of the computers as well as appropriate and inappropriate use of websites and their materials.  They should also understand that computer use is a priviledge that can be taken away if they break the rules that you have posted.  Once your students start using the computer to access the Web, you can manage their use by having them do their work in Googledocs or web pages.  You can also set up chat rooms for students to work collaboativly in groups and share information..  Directing them where they can and cannot search for information and monitoring their use is another great way of ensuring that students use the Web correctly and respectfully.

3.  Which features of the Web do I use?

According to Morrison & Lowther (2010), you can start with using six great features of the Web to integrate technology into your classroom:

1. Email for your students
2. Blog for your students
3. Wiki for your students
4. Professional development site for yourself
5. Content management software
6. Video streaming/webcasting or repository  (p. 169)

Resources:

Morrison, G. R. , & Lowther, D. L. (2010). Integrating computer technology in the classroom. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.