Description & Rationale
In my previous line of work, I used a number of online, database-like systems (primarily MS SharePoint and related Office Suite applications) to manage data and documents, fill out forms, track tasks, collaborate, and generally administrate my personal work and the department’s. I wanted to use a similar system of operation for running my classroom (like a virtual classroom), taking into account the vast differences in tasks and working relationships. My key question was: How can I manage and share information with my students in a way that is quick to update, easy to navigate, and secure?
Over the course of this past year, I experimented with building virtual classrooms on Redbooth and Wikisites, but was not satisfied with their capabilities. I had been using Gmail for ages, but began using Google Tasks and Calendar (which I synced with my phone) to manage time-sensitive events/tasks for my schooling and practicums. I also started archiving and managing information and resources in:
During PSII (with the CBE), I also used Desire 2 Learn (D2L) as my TA had been using it: to update the blog with important information for students and to upload and link to assignments and other class resources. At the end of PSII, I was frustrated with having information and resources scattered all over the place, and also having to manage copies (paper and electronic) in multiple places. Firewalls and encryption on external drives compounded these issues. I also realized that I wanted hard copies of lesson plans, the class roster for formative checks, and certain resources for assignments but I didn’t want this to be unwieldy (as it had been). In preparation for future teaching, I knew I needed to revisit the idea of setting up a one-stop-shop for myself and for my class that was also in line with any school district ICT policies.
Back to Abstract
Over the course of this past year, I experimented with building virtual classrooms on Redbooth and Wikisites, but was not satisfied with their capabilities. I had been using Gmail for ages, but began using Google Tasks and Calendar (which I synced with my phone) to manage time-sensitive events/tasks for my schooling and practicums. I also started archiving and managing information and resources in:
- YouTube (playlists and subscriptions),
- Diigo (tagging and bookmarking webpages),
- Dropbox (for managing my coursework, for unit and lesson planning, and for some collaborative projects),
- Weebly (for my online portfolio and linking key websites), and
- Pinterest (curating posters, handouts, etc.).
During PSII (with the CBE), I also used Desire 2 Learn (D2L) as my TA had been using it: to update the blog with important information for students and to upload and link to assignments and other class resources. At the end of PSII, I was frustrated with having information and resources scattered all over the place, and also having to manage copies (paper and electronic) in multiple places. Firewalls and encryption on external drives compounded these issues. I also realized that I wanted hard copies of lesson plans, the class roster for formative checks, and certain resources for assignments but I didn’t want this to be unwieldy (as it had been). In preparation for future teaching, I knew I needed to revisit the idea of setting up a one-stop-shop for myself and for my class that was also in line with any school district ICT policies.
Back to Abstract