Assignment #4

Link to the project:



Mrs. Lindner's Class Website



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Detailed reflection of your learning experience:



When I first began my quest to create a website, I thought I would just find some free web space, use my basic HTML knowledge combined with some tutorial websites, and viola!--I'd have my website. But things didn't exactly happen that way. I created my own stick-figure graphics, which seemed to take a million years, as well as the background, but my problems came when I couldn't figure out how to align my images. I tried using frames, scripts, etc., but nothing turned out the way I imagined. Disappointed, I resorted to finding a generic web creator. At first I used Bravenet, but the options there were very limited. Then I found Freewebs and chose to build my website with them.

I was impressed with Freewebs because it offered features that I wanted to include in my website for free. It also gave me the option to use HTML in order to customize things, so I wasn't limited to what they provided.

I visited a few classroom websites as I brainstormed ideas for my own, and two of the most impressive are listed here:

Mrs. Packer's Kindergarten Classroom Website
Mrs. Pearce's Classroom Website

I really enjoyed creating this website and using the features Freewebs had to offer. I would have liked to create something from scratch, but I realize that I am nowhere near being able to do that. It was also difficult to create a website for an imaginary classroom! But I am glad that I now have experience working with some tools that will benefit me as a teacher.

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List of the features of the technology that you learned and used:

Freewebs Software
Map Tool
WikiSpaces
Widgets
Hyperlinking
Spell with Flickr
Freewebs' Calendar, Photo & Video Galler, and Guest Book
Windows Movie Maker

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Talk about the NETS standards for students and teacher that are covered by your project incuding how your project fulfills these standards.

1. Creativity and Innovation
Students demonstrate creative thinking, construct knowledge, and develop innovative products and processes using technology.

• Students will create their own websites to display class work, interact with other students by commenting on each others' pages, and learn basic HTML. I will use the main classroom website to pose a problem, and students will post an entry on their own pages to make predictions, and contribute ideas.

2. Communication and Collaboration
Students use digital media and environments to communicate and work collaboratively, including at a distance, to support individual learning and contribute to the learning of others.

• Students will work in groups to create their own videos for certain projects. By doing this, and by writing about their learning, I hope to have them exchange website addresses with a student from another area (city, state, or country) with the intent of teaching each other about a particular subject.

4. Digital Citizenship
Students understand human, cultural, and societal issues related to technology and practice legal and ethical behavior.

• Before students create their website, we would establish "internet etiquette" such as not typing in all capitals, using correct grammar, and refraining from saying something you wouldn't say to that person's face, etc.
• Also before creating a website we would review copyright policies to make sure the creator is the person getting the credit for his/her work.

6. Technology Operations and Concepts
Students demonstrate a sound understanding of technology concepts, systems, and operations.

• By creating their own websites, students will have an understanding of basic HTML, hyperlinking, blogging, and other web 2.0 tools.
  

1. Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity
Teachers use their knowledge of subject matter, teaching and learning, and technology to facilitate experiences that advance student learning, creativity, and innovation in both face-to-face and virtual environments.

• As mentioned before, I will pose a problem or question for the students to use as a launching pad for discovery learning. They will post their responses on their own websites, and comment on each others' statements.

2. Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments
Teachers design, develop, and evaluate authentic learning experiences and assessments incorporating contemporary tools and resources to maximize content learning in context and to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes identified in the NETS•S.

• By designing this classroom website, I feel as if I will be encouraging an authentic learning experience with the students. If they use video cameras, blogs, and podcasts during a lesson, I believe they will be developing knowledge and skills in a fun, educational way.

3. Model Digital-Age Work and Learning
Teachers exhibit knowledge, skills, and work processes representative of an innovative professional in a global and digital society.

• The parents section of the website communicates relevant information, and allows collaboration between students, parents, and teacher.

4. Promote and Model Digital Citizenship and Responsibility
Teachers understand local and global societal issues and responsibilities in an evolving digital culture and exhibit legal and ethical behavior in their professional practices.

• I will be sure to explain internet etiquette and copyright infringment to students.