Paul+Gleason

=My challenge:= To share information with parents and students by creating an online teaching and learning environment using the internet and web 2.0 tools which will enhance the classroom experience. It sounds simple, but it required me to create something where nothing existed before.

= = =Description of the challenge and link:= I have registered my own domain name and created a website from scratch using Yola. This site, located at __**mrgleason.com **__ gives students and parents a central location or portal in order to access online information about HHS classes and activities. I've also created three separate web 2.0 learning environments using NING. Two were created for classes and one for freshman advisory.

= = =Personal reflection on the process of developing the challenge, learning and implementing the new technology:= I have fully embraced the MacBook and transitioned all use of computer technology to the Apple operating system. By downloading open source software and additional tools, there is nothing a PC can do that my MacBook can't. Developing the challenge and choosing the technology path was more difficult than actually learning and implementing the new technology. Creating the website, while not technically challenging required time for design and content creation. It is still a work in progress. As I mentioned, aside from creating an online course using BlackBoard (which was subsequently discontinued) I did not have a website. After creating content, implementation was immediate.

= = =Impact on student learning:= Impact on student learning was also immediate. Instant student feedback allowed me to make corrections on the fly and respond quickly to students' needs and requests. The challenge I focused on for Entrepreneurship students was creating a business plan. The tools that I implemented helped guide the students through the long and arduous task of creating a business plan. With the use of the social networking site NING, students responded to forum questions, (often posted as essential questions) created blogs, and were able to access additional teacher provided content such as iTunes university videos and podcasts. Students were better able to plan, organize, research and create their projects. I was able to quickly make adjustments and nudge them in the right direction. It also helped anticipate potential speed bumps in the process and react quicker to their needs.