Reflection Task 1 - Websites

 Over the past three weeks, I have been setting up multiple different online platforms and experimenting with the creative freedom that they give you. However, the platform that I want to reflect on is Google sites and how they can be used within the classroom. I personally created a blog on Blogger and then linked it to my Google Sites page. I found that this gave me more creative freedom and control. On my Google Sites page, I published my blog ‘ You as a Contemporary Teacher’. Although I would not call myself an expert on the topic, I found that creating a Google site was a simple process that would be easy to implement in a secondary school setting.

              Creating a Google site allowed me to have more creative and have more flexibility with the design of my blog. Google site allows the creator to change the layout to your preference, change colours and text, and the user can change publishing and privacy settings. Additionally, the publisher can create different pages and sections to divide and categorise different elements. For example, in a school setting, a student could create a Google site page and use it to display work from all subjects. The students can create a page for each subject within the one Google site. Also, the Google site allows the user to display different platforms, such as YouTube, Blogger, and any other compatible URLs. As well as, embedding videos and images on the page. Moreover, multiple authors can edit and publish one google site page; if implemented correctly this would allow students to collaboratively work on tasks. The website would allow students and teachers to view each other’s edits live and work alongside each other.

              Modelling and supporting safe, legal and ethical practices are essential for not only students but all users. Google site has multiple features that support safe practices for the user. In regards to implementing safe practices in an educational setting, using a Google site would allow the teacher to be an editor on all student’s sites and review all students’ work before it is published on the site. Additionally, within the publishing setting the user can choose who can see the work, so students could set up a site where only the teacher can view the published site.

(A link is provided in the Wiki Contacts to evidence technical exploration)

              I am currently studying to become a mathematics and history teacher so for the purpose of this task I will use a history class exploring World War I (WWI) to show how a Google site could be used at different levels of the SAMR model.

-          Substitution level: Students read information from websites rather than the teacher handing out printed copies, this technique requires students to remember the information they have read.

-          Augmentation level: Students research independently to further their own knowledge of WWI; this technique requires students to use their understanding of the topic and apply their own knowledge to develop questions to research.

-          Modification level: Students create a website to collaborate information with other students in the class. This level requires students to apply their understanding of the topic to analyse and evaluate information.

-          Redefinition level: Students take a virtual excursion of the Canberra War Memorial via Zoom, where students have the opportunity to ask questions, participate in activities and learn from professionals. This level promotes independent learning and allows students to make connections, create questions and collaboratively work with people outside of the classroom.