Classroom websites allow the class to stay virtually connected even when they are not actually in the classroom. Students and parents can explore a teacher-created classroom webpage at home or in the library together. In my opinion, a classroom website brings the instruction and curriculum right into the students home. It allows parents to see what is going on in the classroom, as well as what has been assigned to the student. It is a great gateway for communication between teachers and parents as long as the site remains up to date. Teachers can provide students with assignments and link them directly to resources that would be appropriate to the topic. Teachers have the ability to discretely post grades which can be viewed at any time by parents. All in all a classroom website that is current would keep communication open during the entire school year.
Corri Davies
2 comments:
Corri,
I like the set up of your blog. Which site did you use to build the blog? I agree, class websites do allow parents, students, and teachers feel connected through web resources. Just this morning I had a parent conference and referred to the Curriculum Connections, Educational Resources and Download Forms as sources of information and homework tools.
In regards to posting grades on the Web. I believe that site needs to be password protected. Our high school has recently implemented grades on line through Wiki. Faculty has received positive feedback from the parent community.
Our elementary and middle schools have a learning network that is very similar to a blog. Students generate passwords to access homework assignments and write "Magic Notes" to teachers or classmates about about academics.
Therefore, current websites do offer another form of communication in the educational world.
Linda
Corri, I agree with you on many of the points that you hit in your blog. I actually touched upon some of them myself in my own. I think that a classroom website is a great tool for everyone involved. It allows everyone to be on the same page in school related areas. I am very excited that I am in this class learning how to make a website for my classroom because I really want to make sure that I have one when I start teaching and I want to make it as useful as possible.
The one thing that is important to remember is that not everyone has access to the Internet. Some people may have to attend a library to access it, and some may not even have that opportunity during the week since libraries don't always have variable hours to accommodate work schedules for parents. That’s one thing that I have to remind myself, and will have to when I have my own classroom. A classroom website can be a great tool, but things also need to be sent home through letters or fliers.
Linda, the learning network that your middle and elementary schools have sounds interesting. I’ve never heard of anything like that before. What is it called? Is it a website or a program that needs to be purchased?
Christy
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