Journal #2

Breathing Fire into Web 2.0
By: Justin Hardman and David Carpenter

Summary: This article begins talking about how our technology in schools is outdated and we’re teaching our children in the past rather than the future. This is not a good thing, which is stated in the article. There has been an all-in-one web based system called myDragonNet which was created at the Hong Kong International School. This system has it all and it meets all of the requirements for the teachers as well. This site allows teachers to put up calendars for their classrooms as well as classroom management, curriculum development, and electronic portfolios. Basically this is a site for students, which isn’t myspace or facebook. It allows students to put up their work as well as be able to show it publicly or just keep it private between you and your teachers. It also allows teachers to be able to show off past students work throughout the years. It’s a great way for students to be involved with different activities and express themselves. When I was reading about it I got the impression that it was a school newspaper, a personal myspace, and a classroom webpage all in one!
Questions: 1. Why do schools need to update their technology, they already have computers, isn’t that good enough? No, that’s not good enough. Our technology is changing what seems to be weekly but more realistically monthly. We see new commercials about the latest and greatest cell phone or laptop. The newest PDA, Computer, and Cell phone all in one! Schools need to keep up with the newest computers and software for students. Or else they will go into the real world not knowing the new devices, only know the old.
2. Is the all-in-one web based system a good idea or is it just exploiting kids to the World Wide Web, where they could get themselves into trouble? This web based system is totally safe! It allows students to have their own password so they can control who sees their work and who doesn’t. They are asked ahead of time if their work can be used for future classes and you can only see the class information if you’re in that class. It’s a great way to keep kids into technology as well as informed with what’s going on in class, clubs, and sports teams. It’s safe and fun at the same time!