Journal 2

"Breathing Fire into Web 2.0"
By Justin Hardman and David Carpenter

Many schools and classrooms do not reflect the same level of technological integration that is seen in the “real world.” However, teachers and schools are beginning to use social networking technology to communicate with students in a more modern and tech-savvy manner. Social networking technology is a powerful resource that allows educators to better connect with their students.

Administrators are already using classroom management software and curriculum mapping systems at their schools. The author of this article argues that the next logical step in building online learning communities is the creation of an all-in-one, online communication and collaboration system for schools.

This article looks at the example of the Hong Kong International School, which created an all-in-one Web-based system called myDragonNet. MyDragonNet expanded from an online file storage and calendar system into a multifaceted virtual community. It uses the Web to meet the user’s educational, collaboration, and communication needs. In addition to handy features such as a messaging system, resource library, calendars, and user profiles, this system serves teachers in three primary ways:
1. It enhances communication and collaboration for teachers and students, focusing on activities both inside and outside the classroom.
2. It facilitates curriculum development by providing a number of tools and resources including: curriculum storage, archives, standards mapping, and unit planning.
3. It serves as an online portfolio system that supports teacher and student reflection by saving, storing, and showcasing student work. This system not only serves as an assessment tool for classes, it also helps to document student achievement.

My Questions:

1. When I become a teacher how will I use the web to enhance student learning, collaboration, and communication even if my particular district or school does not have an all-inclusive online system like MyDragonNet?
Most schools do not use an all-inclusive online system like myDragonNet; however, it is important to remember that teachers can still use the Web as a useful and informative educational tool. When I become a teacher, I will make use of the Internet even if the school where I am working does not have a comprehensive online system. There are a variety of ways that I could integrate the Web into my educational strategies. Most importantly, the Internet is an extremely useful way to communicate with students, parents, and other teachers. I could set up a class website that included a calendar, list of assignments, and class announcements. This site could also include a discussion board where students could comment on class content and communicate with their peers. Another really interesting feature of the myDragonNet system that I would someday like to incorporate into my teaching is an online portfolio of student work. Although a comprehensive portfolio system could be difficult to set up, I could use the class website to feature interesting and exemplary student work.

2. As a teacher, how could I try to convince my district or school administration to develop and implement an all-in-one online system like myDragonNet?
An all-inclusive online system would allow students to participate in the school and classroom communities in a manner that reflects their communication outside of school. The Internet is becoming more and more important in the lives of students, and an online system could help to boost student participation. In addition, faculty, students, and parents would be able to readily access school and class information at one all-inclusive website.