Post# 8

Jason Gaylord
3/14/2009
Educ 422,
Instructor McCulloch

Post #8- Creating Valuable Class Websites by Elizabeth A. Baker explains the simplicity of creating a website in class for students to post assignments and create on their own. What is apparent is that many teachers know that making class websites and getting their students on the computer is a necessary part of the curriculum for this age of technology; however, what is also apparent is that most teachers are not certain about how to work technology into their class. Many teachers cite the difficulties and lack of resources (personal and material) they have for reason enough to not include technology into the classroom and for activities. Baker’s main point is that no matter what the resources available are nowadays there is enough free resources and knowledge out there for teachers to acquire and successfully integrate technology into the classroom. For instance, she talks about blogs, free servers, and wikis, and makes clear that all of these resources are at the finger tips of all teachers and students. Each resource she points out requires different levels of skill knowledge, but as she suggests, there is access to making web pages for all levels. One interesting point she makes is that though teachers may work off of a simpler server, teachers can approve other resources for their students to use that require a more specific knowledge about creating websites. This she suggests allows students to do some of their own exploring about the possibilities about websites and learn some of the more advanced skills that are required for working a professional looking website.

Personally, I find Baker’s information useful for all teachers because she points out several resources that I, myself, have never though about using and will eventually have to tryout. There is a sense of accomplishment after posting something on the web for all to see, but again, as Baker points out, a teacher can also limit who is allowed to view his or her website for the purposes of privacy of the teacher and students in the classroom.