Week 3

Weebly- I used weebly for the first time in this activity and found the template layout and step by step guide to be of huge help. Even though I did not create much of a website, I could see the tools that were available and could see that the point and click layout of the website would ensure that even amateur computer users will be able to create their own websites. This could be used to create a website that engaged the students on a number of levels. The site could utilise a number of options to portray information to the student and adapt to any individual learning styles. Many different files could be uploaded such as pictures, sounds and videos (although the videos had to be paid for) could be all used to educate and facilitate the individual learning styles of each student.

Blogger- After discovering blogger and how easy it was to create my own blog, I wondered why I had not done this a lot earlier. Blogs are invaluable learning tools when, like anything, used in an appropriate fashion. By writing or Blogging thoughts and ideas onto a website that can be accessed and commented on by others can create an online learning community where thoughts and ideas are shared across different areas.

Wiki- Wiki’s are a great forum to convey ideas and as mentioned earlier scaffolding with other learning processes is the key. As with many technologies there are up sides and down sides. On the upside, they are easy to create and have a variety of editing tools that can be used to enhance the learning experience. They layout is completely functional and easy to use and having the information stored in an online space increases its efficiency. The downsides are that many of the tools mentioned have to be purchased and it allows for students to post inappropriate content. They are also not very visually appealing.

Although there are a few downsides to wiki’s I think they are an untapped reserve and a must have in the classrooms of the present and future. Although the technology could evolve and perhaps become more appealing to students it is only a matter of time before they are readily used in classrooms. I believe that using wiki’s in a group setting will maximise its effectiveness. When undertaking assignments that require groups students can post their work on the wiki’s and have it commented on and edited by fellow members of the group. This will most definitely help the students become more organised and want to participate in the group. Students schedules will not be a hinderance to group assignments as content can be edited from any computer. In short I believe that wiki’s have a place in the classroom and if used effectively can be a very useful ICT tool.