My Use of iGoogle

I have recently opened an iGoogle account where I have added items to a page where I can view everything I need in one place. On the page I have chose to include items such as:

• Free Technology for Teachers
• Coupon Surfer (Grocery Coupons)
• Facebook
• Weather
• Recipes
• You Tube
• Local Gas Prices
• G-mail Account

As I continue progress on this particular goal of using iGoogle I plan to add more sites to my account so that I can view useful information on continuing my Professional Development of becoming a future teacher.

Classroom Communication

I would most likely use a website to communicate with students, and parents. I plan to use a system such as OnCourse here at Indiana University, but I will make it simpler to use. Oncourse allows professors to post resources and information that is needed to complete an assignment while also offering forums and chatrooms where classmates can interact with one another. My website however, would only include information about upcoming events in the classroom such as a small newsletter while also allowing students and parents to view assignments for the week. This makes it easier for both parties in case the student did not have a chance to write these down in class, the homework will be readily available with internet access. Also, having an area where children and or parents can ask questions immediately will be an easier and more convenient way for the two or three of us to interact with one another, making sure that we are all on the same page. If a student or parent has any questions I will be able to respond faster through a chat room or forum for a type of private conversation.

Problems That May Occur:
Some students/parents may not have computers or the internet at home. This may become a problem in the communication process with these particular students. In order to communicate with these students/parents I will send paper copies of all the information that is given on the website home with the student so that parents be involved in this way. Communication between the parent and teacher will have to be dealt with one on one or through phone conversations.

Online Meeting

How did I feel presenting to a group at a distance?
It was a lot different not having everyone in the same classroom because this is what I am so used to. I also didn't feel like I knew if everyone was paying attention, others could have been doing other things instead of listening fully to the presentations that were going on.
What did I like about it?
I liked the fact that even though a teacher is away, there are still ways to interact with one another even in a group setting.
What didn’t I like about it?
I really didn't care for this activity because it was really hard to understand what everyone was saying and there was a lot of miscommunication going on. It was a confusing program for everyone because I'm not sure if everyone knew how to use the program to the extent that we used it for.
What are the challenges of meeting online?
The challenges of meeting online like we did in our last lab class include poor sound quality, and attention grasping ideas, as well as losing connection. Poor sound quality consists of different mics and uses of sound effects. Also, attention spans do not last. People are able to log in, but then can walk around and do anything else while the meeting is going on. The last component is losing connection. If one person loses connection then they have missed out on important information, however this is something they can not control.
Would you use it for your future class?
I probably wouldn't use this in my future class because I am going to be dealing with younger aged children. I don't believe that they would benefit from this type of meeting because they need their full divided attention on the subject, which probably wouldn't be happening if there wasn't a teacher in the room. Also, the program may be too complicated for the children to understand and they would need guidance in order to operate the tool.