Journal # 2

"Breathing fire into Web 2.0"
By: Justin Hardman and David Carpenter.

After reading the article, I believe the web system created and used at The Hong Kong International School (HKIS) is going to be a pivotal benchmark for the future of innovating technology into our schools. The calendar system on the myDragon.Net seems like an amazing idea for teachers to not only stay organized by getting important things on a posted calendar, but also the fact that students and colleagues can add electronic “sticky notes” to pose a question or comment on the calendar is amazing. This allows for immediate feedback or collaboration between teacher, students and anyone else on the myDragon.Net system. The electronic profile is also a great thing for the students and teachers. It seems as if I would provide a personal homepage of sorts that can be specific to a person. This personal page promotes individuality on a collaborative network creating a balance between the two. The feature that allows users to post their work for others to see is also great. This feature will help boost students ego as well as allowing students and colleagues to get examples of how exceptional work is done. By integrating technology at the early elementary level… children will be familiarized with processes that will further their success in the future. In the long run as educators success is what we want for all of our students.

1.) Is posting personal information and pictures dangerous to ones identity on myDragon.net?

No, with a password security system the only people able to view information are those that are members of the network. Also, members can specify their security and control who is able to view their profile and information within the network itself.

2.) What are the core components that make myDragon.net such an enticing system to integrate into our schools?

The core components including the messaging system, resource library, calendar, and user profile enhance communication and accessibility between all those included in the network. Students in the primary grades are also included in the network, which can be as easy or complex as the user wants it to be. With the varied levels of complexity, teachers can easily integrate a similar system into our American school system.