Reflection #22

(1) Describe the Resource / Experience:
During my resource search this week, I also discovered this Ning-created social networking site called “Big Dog Science”. This site was created by an eighth grade science teacher. According to the teacher, the class uses this site to “share class notes, project ideas, absentee work, quiz and test study material, peer tutoring and general classroom information” (Cooper, n.d., no page numbers).
(2) Lessons Learned / Applications for the Classroom / Recommendations for Yourself or Others:
I wasn’t able to gain full access to this site, but from what I saw, it looked like it was a very valuable classroom resource. Not only could the students share notes and such with other students, but absentee work could be posted on the site as well. I thought that was a great idea, for older students of course. However, even though my students are young, posting absentee work could work for them as well if their parents were willing to log on and access the materials. I think this would make it easier for teachers to keep up with absentee work. Therefore, when it comes to classroom application, I think social networking sites can be applied in the classroom to make tedious, mundane tasks, such as making up absentee work, quicker and easier. This is something I would like to try in my classroom in the future.
(3) Links to Readings, Resources, or Discussions:
These ideas directly relate to the following resource in my Resource Log:

Cooper. (n.d.). Big dog science. Message posted to http://htmsscience.ning.com/