Chapter 6: Exploring the World Wide Web in the Classroom

1.  Now that I have access to the Web, how can I use it effectively?
Having access to the Web is a great way for students to learn.  There are several programs that students can use on the Web to further there learning experience while increasing their technology knowledge.  Students could use, for example, Google Docs to create and share documents with classmates or other students.  This is a great way for students to collaborate on a project.  Students could also use the Web as a communication tool between students within their classroom, students in other schools, and experts on different subjects.  Ways for students to use the Web for communication includes, blogs for students to communicate within, kid-safe email accounts used for speaking with experts and Skype to speak and view students of other classrooms.


2.  How do I manage students' use of the Web in my class?
Most schools have used filtering programs to limit the sites that students will be able to view; however, there are always things that may slip through this filters.  It is important for students to have read,fully understand, and signed the Acceptable Use Policy that their county/school has provided.  One way to limit students Web searches is to only allow students to use kid-safe search engines and/or only allow students to use pre-screened URLs.  However, just because a student can't get to an inappropriate website, doesn't mean that he or she will not be off task.  It is important to position the room so that the teacher can monitor the websites that the students are using.


3.  Which features of the Web do I use?
There are many useful features of the Web for teachers.  I know that in my classroom, the teacher has two filing cabinets and always gets frustrated when she is looking for something, because it is never in the right place.  One interesting feature that I read about was the content manager.  By using the content manager, teachers can upload handouts or lesson plans to the web.  Not only will this make it easier for teachers to find documents, but will also make it easier for teachers of the same grade level to work together to make lesson plans.  Another important feature for teachers and the communication aspect that teachers can use.  Both email and classroom websites are very useful for the teacher to stay connected with the parents.


Lowther, D., & Morrison, G. (2010). Integrating Computer Technology into the Classroom. Pearson Education, Inc