Journal 1

In the article Extreme Makeover: Updating Class Activities for the 21st Century, the author suggests several ways in which teachers are able to incorporate Web-based applications into their classroom. These applications would allow students and teachers to publish, share, and edit their individual projects as well as others’ works. Some examples of these Web-based applications include writing tools, wikis, blogs, social bookmarks, and photosharing. The author describes these applications as “social in nature”. Thus, while these innovative tools would help to make information sharing and collaboration between teachers and students much easier, they could also pose some problems. Misuse and abuse of these applications are probable as a number of individuals are able to add on or delete work published on the web. But as the author explains, there are ways of avoiding these issues. One such preventative measure is the ability to hide work from or make work available to specific individuals. Another way to deal with such issues that the author suggests is for teachers to introduce Web-based applications while also teaching the concept of netiquette to their students. This will prepare the children as they become more involved with the Internet and continue to interact with others via the World Wide Web.

Question 1: How will Web-based applications benefit in the future as adults?

The ability to utilize Web-based applications would greatly benefit students as adults in the workforce. Living in the digital age, various occupations would require experience and knowledge of technological tools and programs. Thus, the students who learn about such social networking applications during their school years would be at a great advantage.

Not only do Web-based applications prepare students with technological abilities, but also with their intrapersonal skills. They will be able to better interact and collaborate with others, which are greatly desired traits among employers. Again, students will gain such skills by learning how to use Web-based applications and the Internet in general, in an appropriate manner.

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The article “Blogging Right Along” provides great examples of how to utilize online blog applications or online blog editors within classrooms. There are a few advantages to blogging for students and teachers that the author provides. For one, blogging allows teachers to easily identify that the students have met the objectives of the lesson. Blogging also provides greater access to important course content, especially useful for students who were absent or missed some crucial information. Finally, blogging allows teachers and students to keep track of classroom events and lessons, and serves as a great review of the course content from which students can prepare. Another useful feature to blog applications and editors is the ability to share not only print information, but also visual and audio content.

Question 2: What is a possible disadvantage to blogging within classrooms?

While there are many benefits to blogging for teachers and students alike, like all things, there may be a down side to using such applications. One such disadvantage is the reliance on blogs to attain information. Because the site would reflect much if not all the course lessons and events from class at a single site, some students may rely on the information of others through the blogs and may not feel the need to pay as much attention in class.

Despite this, there seem to be far greater advantages to blogging applications compared to disadvantages. Blogging would help teachers and students build a community of mutual benefits as they are able to share work and information within a single, more convenient space.

Citation
Shifflet, R, & Toledo, C (2008). Extreme makeover: Updating class activities for the 21st century. Learning & Leading with Technology, Retrieved July 13, 2008, from http://www.pdfdownload.org/pdf2html/pdf2html.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjheil65.googlepages.com%2FJournal1.pdf&inages=yes.