6. Websites and Efficiency

       The website I chose is the overall school edline page from Longleaf Elementary School in Melbourne, Fl. I chose this site because not only did I attend Longleaf, but my mom is also a current 1st grade teacher there. I specifically like Longleaf's edline page because it is very easy to navigate. I chose the whole school's page and not one single class, because with how edline works, only teacher, parents, and students with edline accounts can have access to the class sites. I like this aspect of the site because it shows that it is a safe and secure place for students to go to get their class information. I have used edline for years because it is the grade source for all schools in Brevard county. Edline has quick and easy links that are easy to follow and always take you back to the home page. Grades, assignments, and class announcements are easily located on each class page, as well as in the tabs on the top tool bar.


      I envision myself using technology in my classroom as much as possible, as well as efficiently as possible. Chapter 7 talks about using tools such as word processor and electronic spreadsheets, and many more. These tools especially stick out to me as efficient technologies for the classroom. There are endless ways to use word, as we learned in the newsletter assignment. Electronic spreadsheets are something I'd love to explore more and get a better sense of how to incorporate the spreadsheets in my classroom. I think spreadsheets are great for behind the scenes, organizational work for teachers. They keep everything precise and in tact for not only grading, but other purposes too. I liked how the podcast reviewed twitter, in saying it is a less intrusive way to contact parents, rather than email or phone calls.
       The web evaluation assignment confused me at first, mostly because I over complicated it. I did not realize that it was basically just what I naturally do every time I find a new source. Once my group made the checklist and I saw the criteria, I realized that is the thought process I usually have when researching. I always check for credibility, ads, and easy navigation. I did, however, like how we were in groups and made a wiki together. I had never made one before, and it made it easier to understand the process of making one with other people involved. I think next time, I should look more closely at resources attached to websites to ensure credibility.