Chapter 8

Chapter 8 basically explained different web-based activities, and how and when to use them in the classroom. On page 252 the text says, "The rule of thumb is that if the activity could be done without the Internet, it probably should be!" I am not sure that I fully agree with the statement. Though maybe a student could open an Encyclopedia to gather information about a topic, using the Internet would probably be easier, more time efficient, and it would allow the student to get used to using the Internet. In a society like today, in which the Internet is becoming used more and more in everyday life, it is important for students to learn how to correctly and efficiently use the Internet for various activities. I think that if using the Internet would add a certain distinct benefit or difference to a lesson, it should be used.
The text described a bunch of example of web-based lessons and projects. A few of these jumped out at me as things that I think would greatly benefit students, and that I may one day use in the classroom. I really like the idea of electronic penpals. As a future high school math teacher, I am not sure how I would use this in my own classroom, but I think it is a really good idea for students of younger grades. It seems like something very interesting, and I wish I could have done something like that as a younger student. Problem-based learning also seemed to interest me. I liked the idea of students collaborating and working together. I think a webquest is such a great idea, and could be really helpful and fun for students. I also really liked the idea of using real world data analysis. This is something I think I could really use in my own classroom. I could have students use to Internet to find real world data about the weather, the stock market, elections, or any interesting topic. The students could then use the real-world data to record data, make predictions, create graphs, etc. These types of activities would help students know how to correctly locate and use information on the Internet. They could also help students who are more visual learners. Finally, they would allow students to collaborate and work together, and possible even use the Internet for some of this collaboration.
The text moves on and begins explaining all of the different functions that websites can have for students. Websites offer so much for students as well as teachers. I think it is very important for teachers to provide their students with many resources, some of which would be best found on certain websites. Most importantly, I think teachers should create their own webpage on which students and parents can find assignments, check a schedule, and contact the teacher. To create websites, HTML, Java, VRML, PERL, etc, are all used. At one point in time, a website could not be created without the knowledge of these different types of programming languages. However, today it is very easy to create a simple and free webpage. For example, we easily created our own site using Google Sites. Everything today is very user-friendly and usually web-development software is not even needed for simple pages.
Today, the Internet is used to download all types of things. First, images are taken off the Internet very frequently. There are copyright laws about using images, but it is very difficult to enforce them, and many people do not even know about them. Downloading programs or plug-ins happens very frequently on the Internet to make it possible for people to view streaming video or audio, to see movies, to view animation in games, etc. Most sites offer free plug-in downloads to see or use their product.
The Internet has expanded in so many ways recently, and it is important for teachers to be up-to-date. Teachers need to know how to use the resources available to them in the best way for the students. Using Internet based activities is highly beneficial for students if used in the correct way. Also, developing a personal website is very important for teachers.