After looking at the many web 2.0 sites, Dweeber is one of the sites I would like to use in my classroom. Dweeber is a site that students can network with each other and work on projects and homework. I like the idea of my students being able to reach out to other students for help on their homework. As a student now I realize that there are times that other students can explain or demonstrate ideas to me more clearly than a teacher. This is why I would want my students to help each other. Children have a way of explaining things to their peers that can be more understandable because they use the same language. This tool could also be helpful in the fact that it engages students. It would force students to interact with each other. In turn it could help students who are shy in class open up and receive or give answers to the questions their peers have, especially if they are not comfortable asking questions in class. Students are usually more comfortable asking their peers for help instead of adults. This site could also help students receive help outside of class. This would be important because many students do not have parents or siblings at home that they can ask for help on their homework.
As a teacher I know that I would have to monitor the site. Knowing that the administrator would question the level of work being done, cheating issues and the social aspect. I would think that the two major concerns would be; are students cheating and the social aspect. administrators would be concerned that one student is not just showing everyone how to dot he work but just giving the answers to the assignment. Likewise as a teacher I would be concerned about this as well. Therefore, I would require work to be shown and talk about the homework in class. If students are cheating, they would probably not be able to explain their work and answers once questioned about it in class. I might also require them to write a response to the homework depending on the subject area. The other aspect that could be of concern would be the social aspect because there are more people on the site than just the class in question. Just like with the cheating I would have to monitor the site. This is why I would be a part of the site as well. By doing this I could monitor the work being done and who the students are networking with.
Overall I believe that this particular site would be more beneficial than not. As students move through school they need to learn collaboration and social skills. By using this site it will force students to work with and help each other through their homework and assignments. Having peers that can help with homework outside of class could be the difference in understanding an assignment and the outcome of an assignment. lIke I mentioned before, many students do not have a support system outside of class that enables them to receive the help they need. Knowing that they have a network of help after the school day ends could change their approach to school forever.
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