Sandra’s ICT Blog

Today i felt like delving further into the tangled web of understanding the web and expanding my knowledge on the internet interacting with email services. After checking the announcements from Mark Lee i decided to delve into the prescribed sites online ‘How web servers work’ and ‘Internet for Education’.

Firstly, in regards to the ‘Internet for Education’ site i found it to be particularly informative in terms of incorporation of ICT into teaching. I found that there were actual links to official sites dedicated to outlining nearly every aspect of teaching imaginable. The site continued to detail both non-familiar and familiar internet databases for searching such as ERIC and HERO. Most importantly the website allowed for my to create my own ‘links basket’ and allowed me to identify a number. I also found this site great because it listed the pros and cons of search engines (which also helped me a little with my portfolio item 2 researching). The site further reiterated the point that in a search it is imperative to pick out the best search terms and key words.  This is definitely an idea that i will be putting to my future students to aid them in their quest for the most effective searches. I particularly enjoyed the ‘Judge’ section of the website where emphasis was put on the internet not always being trustworthy but more importantly i came across a helpful little acronym that will aid me in getting this idea to students in the future- When looking at a website ask yourself the 3 WWWs- who, where and when. I can pretty much conclude that this website is one that i will surely refer to when teaching in the future as there were a number of helpful hints/tips on the implementation of computer knowledge for students.

Secondly, in regards to the ‘How web servers work’ site i found it really helpful as it explained the whole ‘browser and server’ scenario, bringing it visually alive with a simple image lol. It reiterated various points regarding computer connections to the internet around the world and IP addresses, etc. I found this website was helpful for myself in reiterating points that had been slightly unclear from the tutorials, though ultimately i’m not sure if it would be wholly important in the educating of students… though in 3-4 years time who knows what will be being taught in classrooms.. so i will not refer to this site as redundant in regards to teaching methods just as yet…  who knows maybe by then computers may have taken over the world! :O!

Why is it important for a teacher to have an understanding of how computer networks, as well as the Internet and WWW, work? I think it is imperative for a teacher to have an understanding of how computer networds as well as the Internet and WWW work because students these days are intuitive little beings and are wanting to broaden their knowledge base as much as possible- and generally a hot topic in their minds is in regards to understanding computers and the internet. I think it is also important for a teacher to know about computer networks and such because to be an effective teacher in regards to the implementation of smartboards into classrooms which call for a complete understanding of these elements. If the basics of computer networks and the internet are not understood properly by the teacher it is obvious that a complete understanding cannot be passed onto students = ineffective teaching.

What are some potential applications of Internet services such as the WWW and email that you might draw on to enhance teaching and learning in your classroom? As the smartboard is a predominant member of the teaching classroom nowadays i can draw on a number of english and mathematics activities and have the class complete them as a group task discussing opinions and answers along the way. Im not sure if email would be appropriate for young children and class activities but again with WWW it can be demonstrated to smaller students as a tool of broadening knowledge when search effective techniques are employed.

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