Journal 2

"Breathing Fire into Web 2.0," by Justin Hardman & David Carpenter.

The article tells how as educators we are preparing students for the past instead of the future with the current use of technology in schools. It goes on to tell how teachers are using technology and how it can be used to connect students to the "real" world. They discuss how building a virtual learning in schools and say how creating an integrating system, such as myDrangonNet is the next logical step. This tool can be used both inside and outside of the classroom and as they stated a much better tool for students that their use of Facebook and MySpace.

Questions:

1. What are the benefits?
The article tells us that it would enhance communication, curriculum development, and teach them to create an electronic portfolio. Since we are in an age where technology is such a big part of everyday life, I feel it is important to provide our students with the tools that they will need to master the uses of technology.

2. What are potential downfalls to creating "virtual classroom?" While I feel that it is important to prepare our students for the real world and technology is a big part of that world, it is also just as important to teach our students the basics such as writing. This too is used in the real world. I am afraid that we are going to put such an emphasis on typing and neglect writing skills that are essential to a students overall education.