I know I came into this class with a different mind set then most of the others.  My class is very specialized and low functioning and they can not do what most kids their ages can, particularly search the web and use it as a tool for education.  Even though they don't have that ability, I still love the idea of using the internet to enhance the curriculum and make learning more exciting for them.  I do use the computer in the classroom,  but I have never allowed the children to use the internet before.  I have various developmentally appropriate games and programs for my children to use, and it is definitely a favorite activity in my classroom.  But after taking this course, I am willing to experiment this coming year with different ways of using the internet in the room. 

One of the ways I plan on using the internet in the classroom is through my own web site.  Although it is primarily focused at adults (parents and teachers) and not for children's use, I plan on using it as a communication tool instead of a curriculum tool.   My site will be a place that parents can go to, to find information and resources, as well as updates on classroom activities, future activities and  sites that they can go to with their children.  Once I get my district e-mail set up, I will also have a place where parents can write me messages, voice concerns or post questions.  I also hope that other teachers will visit my web page as a site for resources and educational links.  My teacher page will host different web sites that I have found useful and informational.  They will also be able to e-mail me with their questions or comments, and I sincerely hope that they do.

Since my children have a limited ability and can't search the web themselves and find fun sites to explore, I will do the searching for them.  I have a TV that I can hook up to my computer so that the whole class can see what is on the computer.  When I find a fun site, I can then share it with my whole class and have them help me play the game, read the story, create a picture, etc.  I also plan on allowing my students more time to explore these child friendly sites and let them "be the teacher" with the mouse while the rest of their friends watch from the TV.  An example of such a site would be Kbears.  This is an educational site for children which incorporated different subject matter into different games.  My kids may not understand what they are learning, but they will love the colors, animation, games and movies.  This would be a fun place where my children can participate while I help them along with more complex activities. 

It is exciting for me to think that I can use the internet in the classroom with my children.  When I first graduated from UD with my teaching degree, I wasn't betting on having a computer in my classroom.  I think part of the reason I didn't expect one was because I myself had not thought of the idea of using the internet in my classroom especially with my special chlordane.  I had heard that the school districts were really working on having a computer in each classroom, but I wasn't expecting one, especially not with internet connections.  For many of my friends, the question wasn't so much "will we have one", but "how do we incorporate it into our curriculum".   As the May 2001 edition of Education Week on the Web states, It is not the access to a computer that puzzles us now, but the way we can use them to educate children.  After completing this course, I think I have a few ideas of how I can incorporate the use of the internet into my curriculum to help make learning more fun an d exciting for my kids.  I also plan on sharing what I've learned with other teachers in my building in the hopes that they may also more effectively use the computer and the internet in their classrooms. 

The internet is such an interesting tool, and it offers so much to anyone who is willing to explore it.  I didn't realize how much until I was "forced" to explore it for this class. The internet is an endless resource for anyone with a computer, it is almost mind-blowing how much "stuff" is really out there.  Of course, a lot of that "stuff" is inappropriate, vulgar, untrue, biased and illegal, but there is so much more that is useful, educational, informative, creative, exciting and inspiring.  School districts all over the United States have already made steps towards incorporating the internet and computer use into their curriculum.  More then half (about 37 states) have already come up with standards or goals for their students that must be met that have to do with using the internet as an educational tool. (Developing Educational Standards)  A month ago I was using the web for e-mail and a little resource searching and that's about it.  Now, when I have a question about anything, I go to the web.  It is amazing how much information you have at your fingertips, if you want it.   I see how the internet can be so useful and dangerous for children at the same time.  Hopefully with proper instruction and use of it in the classroom, children will use it appropriately at home and not abuse its power.  It can be a wonderful tool for them if they are willing to explore it.  I know for my children it is a little different, but for the average Joe, child or adult, it can be an invaluable source.

Education Week on the Web.  Technology Counts 2001: The New Divides  vol 20, no 35, pp10-11 http://www.edweek.org/sreports/tc01/tc01article.cfm?slug=35execsum.h20

Harnessing the Web.  The Lightspan Partnership, Inc.  20 June 2001.  http://gsh.lightspan.com/web/pbl/find/index.htm.

Developing Educational Stanfards.  July 2001,  http://PutnamValleySchools.org/Standards.html