What’s on the horizon for Woodsteacher.com? Before we move forward, let’s take a step back. At the beginning of this mod, I was pretty unsure of how my site would develop. But now, I am very pleased with the results. Over the past few weeks, we have seen this website develop from a blank slate to a functioning website, which serves as a resource for students and teachers.
Now that I have seen the benefits of creating a website such as this, it is time to make this site a more useful tool. Over the next six to twelve months, I would like to incorporate some of the following items into Woodsteacher.com:
- Sample Projects
- “How to” Lessons
- A place for questions and collaboration
In the school district where I teach, the integration of technology is heavily promoted. Teachers are able to give students websites to turn to as resources. I plan on promoting Woodsteacher.com for my students to use as a resource for my classes. Key topics from lessons, safety tips, and proper ways to create plans for projects will be integrated into this website within the next two months.
One aspect of education that I feel strongly about is that students learn from one another. I would also like to create a link for students to post their thoughts and ideas for projects. This will allow for students to share ideas or problems they might have when working in the shop. I would like to incorporate this into my website within the next month.
While visiting Woodsteacher.com, students may also be able to explore careers in some of the trades and industry fields. I feel that one of the main purposes of school is to prepare students to become productive citizens in the future. Click the link below to check out the article in Education Week about middle school students preparing for college.
Community service is also very important to me. I feel that I am very fortunate to have my talents and ability to work with my hands. I love to share these talents with others. Recently, I helped a local girl scout troop with the construction of blue bird houses. I would like to create an area in Woodsteacher.com with the title “Community Projects.” This area will list projects that have been completed to give back to the community, and will also provide an area for others to share their ideas for community projects.
So now let’s set our sites on the horizon! Over the next six months to a year, big changes will be in store for Woodsteacher.com. Just as any good educator knows, refining lessons and activities improves the quality of education. I will continue to refine this website in order to make it the best possible resource for students and teachers interested in shop style, hands-on projects.
Resources:
Fleming, N. (29 November 2011). Middle Schoolers Getting Prepped for College. Retrieved from http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2011/11/29/13middle_ep.h31.html?tkn=STQFyu7bDspzwbP8Jwlv1xMgHsQNSJ3nE5%2BS&intc=es
