Online Resources for Classroom Use

Websites can be added that meet school district website filtering requirements.

The list is dynamic, because websites can be added or deleted as better online resources are located and students are provided with acceptable online resources for their school work.

4. Wikis as a Classroom Webpage. This strategy provides everyday information for students use during the school year.

The advantage is that everything a teacher needs and students use is centrally located, eliminating the need for maintenance of a separate website and learning to use special software. Examples of things that can be on a Wiki classroom webpage are calendar of events, newsletters, homework assignments, handouts, notes, science safety rules, classroom rules, power point presentations, pictures of students in class working on projects, and parent permission forms.

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Remember that access is controlled by the teacher, typically only given to students and their parents.

5. 
   Wiki Filing Cabinet. Teachers can store files, images, videos, and other information in a special teacher access controlled area of the classroom Wiki.
   

One advantage is that the teacher can enter the information anytime and from anywhere using the Internet. This is great for weekends or over the summer when teachers cannot enter their school.

Other examples of information that can be stored in a teacher’s Wiki filing cabinet are information for upcoming newsletters, artifacts of student work, drafts of projects being developed, everyday life in the classroom for a scrapbook, and backup resources.

Making Connections with Wikis in the Classroom

Integration of a Wiki in the classroom requires a new approach to teaching and learning for engaging students. A traditionalists approach such as fill-in-the-blanks or presenting lecture notes does not take advantage of a Wikis full potential.

Using a student-centered approach where students identify the blanks themselves and contribute content are the beginning steps of integrating Wikis. To effectively integrate a Wiki in the classroom, students must participate in the process of sharing information and demonstrating understanding of content with the teacher and other students.

Blogger is a tool that makes it easy to instantly publish weblogs or “blogs.” Blogs are simple web pages, often made up of short, informal, and frequently updated posts. Blogger makes it easy to create blogs, post text and pictures, and start generating feedback in minutes.