Group 1 Tools- Creating a website

I loved this task! It may possibly be because i created a website on a topic i loved (pugs), or it may be because i acquired new skills in something that didn't frustrate me. Like i have said in previous postings, i may be young however i am quite useless when it comes to technology. I generally do the basics with the technology i have. I often get frustrated with technology as i take a while to comprehend what i am doing. However, working with a Website was quite simple and painless.

I have not completed my Website in an shape or form, however i believe i have gained enough insight to write a reflection. I will continue to improve my website. Please visit my website here.

I used Weebly to create my website and found it very easy! Check it out and create your own website today.

Using websites as a teaching and learning tool in classrooms is an effective way of delivering content. However, teachers must ensure it is still interactive and engaging. The TPACK framework should be explored in this content to ensure teachers are using websites effectively. After a while, if correct TPACK and pedagogies are not employed, students will disengage. Ross Crear (2013) states, Websites are essentially an 'online textbook'. This is if engaging activites are not included on a webpage. Please check out his view on this subject on his blog.   Teachers need to ensure websites are not just jam-packed full of information which will disengage students.  

If used effectively, websites can be great in the classroom!  Teachers can create units of work which are placed on a website. These can be accessed by students any hour of any day. Teachers can upload almost any type of media as well as upload assignment and homework tasks related to this content.

Students can also create their own websites to explore their own creativity. It can also allow teachers to monitor their understanding and learning. This is an engaging way for students to present assignment tasks and weekly activities.

Bellow is a PMI table of my beliefs of incorporating websites in learning.

Plus	Minus	Implications
Access 24/7 Any media can be uploaded Self learning Entirely controlled by creator (unlike Wiki’s) Easier to understand (than Wiki’s)	Anyone can access a published website Can become monotonous Little room for collaboration 'Online textbook' (Crear, 2013)	Has been around for many years in schooling