Rethinking Technology
After a year of using Ning with AP students last year, for an AP project this summer, and for managing our Department activity, Ning is now blocked at school. I’m fighting for it to be unblocked, but I also admit I haven’t completely measured the risks and benefits. The most important thing is that it is intuitive for students. They can ‘figure it out’ so they are fluent in their online interactions and writing.
Administration is cutting costs by limiting photocopying, so students are to print out all materials at home and bring them to class. (There goes last-minute planning and the element of surprise.) All materials have to be posted on Edline (user unfriendly school site). I was hoping to just post a link to a wiki I prepared for this year, but that is a no go. Although google documents make it easier, I don’t think I can manage both sites. I’ll still use the wiki for students to upload and share work. I also started a mini writing center on the same wiki, but I probably need to rethink that.
I have no regrets about jumping in with Ning and with a wiki. Navigating the IT and admistrative aspects of technology in and for classrooms will hopefully prepare me for future attempts.
