Module 9 - Social Networking Anyone?

Scootle is a wonderful tool for teachers to access. This is not the first time I have been introduced to Scootle or explored the different online resources it has to offer. I feel that it has a great bank of tasks and activities for teachers to access and share with their students.
Scootle allows teachers to set up collaborative workspaces that are secure and relatively easy to access. To set one up all they need to do is add selected digital curriculum resources to the workspace and then set tasks and questions for their students to respond too.

Scootle also offers teachers a workspace to create and organise learning path: A learning path allows you to integrate selected items of digital curriculum content with learning tasks for students. Students are provided with a unique PIN to allow them to view and use the content and activities online.

I found some great mathematics tasks (including a fun little Bridge Builder game!) that I can use next term with my students as well as some fantastic language based activities. One thing that I am still a little confused about is how my students can access the learning paths that I set up. I know taht they need a pin. Where do I get this from???

SOCIAL NETWORKING

Secondlife...Facebook...Twitter... OH MY!


The rise of online social networking has brought a new dimension to social interaction and a whole new world of worry for teachers and parents. With the rapid rise in online social networks and web2.0 tools many acceptable use policies have to be re-addressed and revised. Many people communicate using digital tools and toys. I am sure most of us are guilty of sending a text rather than calling and speaking to someone on the phone. The fast paced, online and rushed nature of society has allowed for social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter to really take off. They are easily accessible and extremely easy to use. Students are able to access information and share information at the click of a button to people all around the world. With this new found networking tool comes a variety of new risks and responsibilities. Once again we as teachers need to equip our students with the skills and tools to be safe online users and members of a every growing global community. Whilst we do not promote the use of sights like Facebook, the reality is that many of our students are using this social networking tool at home.

I know that many secondary teachers use Twitter and Twitter Reader with students. I am interested to see/hear about how and what teachers are doing with Twitter in the classroom.

Happy Networking!