Who, What, When, Where, and How of Using Software.

1.       Now that I have access to the Web, how can I use it effectively?

The Web can be used effectively by choosing and selecting what role it will play in your lesson plan.  If your students are writing a paper about famous people in history, the Web could be used as a research tool and information source.   Alternately if your students are learning a new language, the web could be used as a translation tool or communications tool.  Use of the Web in classrooms today is based on the objective you are trying to accomplish.  It is important to explore different ways the Web can enhance your lesson plan and to choose the most beneficial way.  The Web is also a convenience tool, as it allows students and teachers a way to store information and access it everywhere.  Students can work on projects at school and store them in places like Sugarsync, Google, and several other places, then when they get home students have access to these files and can work on them there (Morrison-Lowther, pg. 149-150).  It is pretty hard for the dog to eat your digital file!

2.       How do I manage students’ use of the Web in my class?

Unfortunately, there are those that use the Web for malicious and dangerous purposes, therefore it is a natural concern about managing the use of the Web by students. There are parental controls on computers as well as “kid-safe search engines,” both of which aid in sorting and filtering inappropriate sites and information.  Other options include providing students with lists of approved websites as well as creating a website with all the approved links for the students to sort through.  Either way, students’ use of the Web must be monitored and kept safe Morrison-Lowther, pg. 151-152).

3.       Which features of the Web do I use?

The feature you use will depend on the goals or objectives you are trying to accomplish.  I have provided a list of the different tools and how I would apply them in my classroom.

Using the Web as a Tool	Application
Information Source	Students could use the Web to search for information about a topic discussed in class or a research paper.
Collaboration Tool	Students can share documents via the Web, also they can communicate by email, chat, or Skype to work on class projects with each other when  meeting in person is not possible.
Communication Tool	Chat, email, and Skype all provide a means of communication when face-to-face interaction is not available.
Content Management	Sites like Blackboard and WebCT make it easy for teachers to distribute content to their students.
Connecting with Parents/Community	School websites, email, and discussion boards allow teachers, parents, and community members to come together and discuss important issues.
Professional Development	Teachers can search websites for lesson plan ideas as well as read blogs and other informational sites than may help them improve their skills in the classroom.

(Morrison-Lowther, pg. 149-161).

References

Morrison, G. R., ), G. R. M., & Lowther, D. L. (2010). Integrating computer technology into the classroom, skills for the 21st century. (Fourth ed.). Allyn & Bacon.