Group 1 digital tools

The use of digital pedagogies are required of teachers in today's classroom.  I have completed a SWOT analysis on the use of blogs, wikis and websites in the classroom
SWOT analysis of digital tools

As I grow in this course I am developing an appreciation for ICT.  The creation of my first blog was a lot of stress for me as my technology use was pretty limited.  I am now starting to see the learning benefits that are associated with ICT.  For instance I see blogs as a great tool for students to review and reflect their studies in their own personal way.  Students are able to see their growth in the content area, just as I have started to see with my own development.  I would ideally have my students set up a blog and just as I have been doing write a reflection at the end of each week to review what they have learnt and maybe what they are not learning.  The students are able to view their colleagues work and make comments, this all contributes to their learning journey.  I as a teacher am able to keep track of students progress and as entries are dated I can see when work is being contributed

So far in my ICT journey I have discovered that wikis are a useful tool for group work.  As each student is able to edit the "page" students are able to construct a volume of information.  Information is instantly shared with others and access is available when the student decides.  As a teacher you are able to see the work that is being created (or maybe not being created).  The main concern for me with a wiki is that information can be deleted, perhaps intentionally.  Another issue with group work on a wiki is that you aren't able to see who is contributing.  Some members might be doing all of the work whilst others might not be doing any.

I can see myself presenting units of work in a web page.  It would need to be embedded with links, video clips, graphics and other useful and interesting tools to engage my students.  That way students are able to access work when they are not in the classroom.  They will be able to look back at notes in a fun way.  Students would also be able to present assignments in this format.  It would enable them to be creative with the information and allow them to actually see the results that their hard work has produced.

As an online environment is not always safe for children there will need to be precautions put in place to protect them.  Password protecting bogs and wikis is one way to keep unwanted guests out.  I believe that students should also be taught about the dangers of chatting on the Internet also.  Another consideration is plagiarism, students must be made aware of referencing requirements.  It might be useful to have a presentation embedded within the course website that helps explain guidelines for online usage.