Blog Post #7

This teacher website from Canton Public Schools is a valuable resource for both students and parents. Mrs. Gaspa's website is designed for her 1st grade students which includes core values, goals, tips, news, and other helpful material. The teacher utilizes various graphics to display the subject matter that her students will be learning throughout the year such the different branches of science, history, and geography. In addition, Mrs.Gaspa lists the learning standards and objectives for each corresponding subject which can help to reinforce comprehension of class material. In addition, there is a calendar as well as weekly homework schedule that lists the assignments due for the week and the upcoming events. Overall, I believe that this website serves as a useful resource for parents who can utilize the tips listed to enhance their children's education. 

                        https://www.cantonma.org/~gaspal@cantonma.org/mrs-gaspas-grade-1-classroom

A productivity tool I would use as a teacher is Kahoot, a game-based learning app that makes the classroom more enjoyable for all. Kahoot gives the teacher complete control of the questions and subject matters covered in each game. Thus, can be tailored to each chapter or unit to gauge student's understanding. Also, images and videos can be added to a question to further enrich students learning experience. Moreover, Kahoot can be played on any mobile device or computer which allows every student to equally access this resource. Another teacher inspired productivity tool I would utilize is Focusme which is a browser add-on that blocks distracting apps as well as websites to ensure course lessons and grading is completed. In addition, I would use Slack a program that makes communication much easier for all parties. One can make a group discussion between colleagues or chat personally with another individual to collaborate on projects, lessons, and curriculums. We have used Slack throughout this course which has allowed me to see the benefit of employing such a resource. 

Over the past week, I have been introduced to PBworks which is a website creation platform. In my opinion, this website creator is fairly easy to use and customizable to fit each participants needs. Also, I have enjoyed the creativity the software provides as it can be empowering. At first, PBworks is slightly confusing to operate but once one gets the hang of it your options are endless. I believe that the software designers could have installed slightly more guidance on how to use it as every individual is not equally technologically savvy. In my future classroom, I would like to implement this resource as a collaborative tool but I am concerned about the safety concerns around the platforms requirement of registering with an email account. If I was teaching 9-12 graders, I would consider having students create their own website but any age younger would be potentially dangerous.