Module 9

Using sites on the Web to share information
Through this module we looked at a variety of ways to share information on the Web
We looked at Scootle as a method of sharing resources in the classroom. one of the advantages of Scootle is that you can create learning paths for students to work through at their own pace and you can structure the direction you wish to have the students to follow. I have briefly looked at Scootle to identify resources for Visual Arts (NSW syllabus) and I feel that this may possibly be an area that needs further development, as there were few areas that immediately connected with me based upon units I have taught in the past. Despite this I can see it may be a useful tool to use in the classroom.
We also addressed the use of social networks such as Facebook. The advantage of Facebook is that it is a forum that the students mostly are familiar with. There are many problems with FB and the public nature of the discussions posted. From a professional/educational perspective I don’t personally believe that FB should be used as a classroom tool. I believe that students associate FB with their personal life and incorporating school life can lead to may problems blurring the student/teacher relationship and boundaries.
In my personal opinion I believe that it is much better to use community sites rather than social as a method to communicate/educate between teachers and students.
We also made reference to Second Life an online virtual world, where people generate characters and places. I do not believe that this has any value in my classroom. Youth often have great problems dealing with reality and by implementing such virtual people and relationships I believe will only generate further problems. There are many real options that can be successfully utilised effectively rather than using Second Life.
Twitter was also another format that we investigated. I can see that this area would be a beneficial tool that could be used for the school community, especially to update parents and even the wider community. It is not necessarily a format used by students so I do not see it as being a specific tool that I would consider implementing in the classroom. Having said that I can see how the messaging nature of Twitter could provide useful reminders and updates for students. I can see the ways in which this media could be destructive or time wasting but I also believe that it can be an effective way communicating. Before doing this module I had not really considered using Twitter although I can see the benefit especially if you align yourself with a selection of reliable people to follow.
Lastly we looked at Linkedin, I have not followed any further investigation of this site.