Journal #2

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

This article deals with a technology called myDragonNet. This software was build in Hong Kong International School to help students and teachers have a resource like other web 2.0 software. The software allows teachers to post assignments and share their information with other teachers. “It is as if all the teachers’ file drawers are open for easy searchable browsing by other teachers.” This allows teachers to share their ideas with others and gain new ideas for their own classes. From the how the article describe myDragonNet, it seems to be a mix of myspace and webct. It allows students to turn in work, see others work, communicate with their class, learn about events and design their own page. Students are able to have their own space that they can have their notes and work in as well as share this space with others. It’s a place for both teachers and students to share and learn from each other.

How can this program help children?
I believe this program is very beneficial for students. It will help shy children to be able to show their work in an environment that may seem much safer then a classroom. It also allows students to show their creativity. I think that having a safe place such as this for students to be able to hear information about school as well as communicate with others is very important. If a student misses class they can jump on a computer and easily catch up. They no longer have to wait to ask a question they had but instead can jump online and communicate not only with their teacher but other students. I think a program like this would help students to be more productive as well as creative.

Why is this program not implemented in every classroom worldwide?
I think a big reason we do not see programs such as this worldwide is cost. Many schools don’t want to spend the money on the program or the training it would cost to implement this into their school system. I think it’s a shame that schools don’t have a program for reasons such as this, but many times that’s the case. Some schools also believe that teaching is supposed to be lecture and only happen at school and that it’s not important to enhance education with technology. Whatever schools reasons are I think it’s a shame that more schools have not realized the value of technology and tried to catch up with the changing world.