Journal #2
Social Networking for the K-12 Set
By Jim Klein
Jim Klein and two other technology persons got together to create a technology based feature for their students and their teaching piers. They developed a web-site to enable a safe technology based environment for their peers to develop an assignment which would be completed by the students online. Before this site was developed "for free" there was really no barrier between the student and the world wide web where who knows what may happen. Each student created a blog where they are able to view other students blog in the same community as well as other teachers blogs. They are able to add simple personal information which is edited by the teacher before posting. This is a way the students can communicate with one another as well communicate with other students in the same community and view their assignments as well. This program is available to other schools from different communities, but not many have decided to use this program. The one's who are using this program though are not using it correctly. Klein would like to see those who are using this useful piece to technology that it is used to collaborate with peers and for the students to use it effectively by doing assignments with group members as well as communicating with teachers. According to Klein by allowing their students to use this technology along with other sources their students reading and test scores have gone up. He is hoping for the same outcome for other schools.

How can I make sure that I effectively use technology in my classroom?
I can create an assignment, following a lecture, that is age appropriate using a blog type or blog environment where the students will have to collaborate with one another about the assignment. As well as have them type in their data, so their group members can review and make suggestions. I am sure that for the younger children this may be too much but, I can show them how to enter data.

How can I do my part in creating a technology based school?
I can teach and inform my co-workers about using different technology tools that would be a benefit to our school. If I were to introduce Klein's website, showing how it can be incorporated in all curriculum I may be able to start my schools community in using tech tools. Also it could possibly make communicating with the parent much easier. Most tech tools are able to translate or change the language font; so, if they speak a different language they could still communicate with the teacher.