What the resource is:Windows live messenger is a chat program that you can use from any computer with internet connection. You download the program from MSN and it’s all for free. You can use it to access your mail and chat with others. You must confirm that a person is allowed to write to you before they can make contact, which I think is very positive, given that kids can use it.
What you need to make it work:All you need is, as I said before, a computer or smartphone with internet connection. You also need to create a hotmail account, which is very simple and it doesn’t cost you a thing. Through this account you can use both chat and mail.
How to use by teachers/pupils:I think that teachers could use this a lot, for example; it’s an easy way for pupils to ask questions about homework, while they’re working with it. They can talk and help each other, in both oral and written ways.
I also think it could be a good way for parents to ask questions and keep up with what their children are doing. A very simple way to stay in touch.
Teachers can use it to send out information, contact parents about upcoming events and stuff like that. It’s an everyday tool! All you need is to keep the computer on while you’re still at work, and so you can help your pupils while you’re planning for next day.
But I must say that I think the best part is that children can communicate and help each others. It will be both useful and social.
Other considerations:There’s always a risk when using the internet. There may be unknown people who try to get in touch with the pupils, mails containing viruses and such things. So if you are going to use this program, it’s very important that you inform the children and really teach them how to use it.
Another important thing is to make sure that every kid has access to a computer at home. There aren’t many families today that don’t have a computer, but many parents have strict restrictions about how much time their children get to spend in front of it. So it’s not only about informing the kids, you definitely need to work it out with the parents too.
And finally, you need to decide how much you should be available. While you’re at your working place? In the evenings at home? Weekends? It’s of course very individual, but I think it’s easy to give it too much time, which can create stress. Especially if you decide to go online when you’re at home, then they’ll have access to you all the time, which may be a little overwhelming.
So there’s plenty to think about, but I believe it would work and I will try it, someday.
//Jonna Carlsson
What you need to make it work:All you need is, as I said before, a computer or smartphone with internet connection. You also need to create a hotmail account, which is very simple and it doesn’t cost you a thing. Through this account you can use both chat and mail.
How to use by teachers/pupils:I think that teachers could use this a lot, for example; it’s an easy way for pupils to ask questions about homework, while they’re working with it. They can talk and help each other, in both oral and written ways.
I also think it could be a good way for parents to ask questions and keep up with what their children are doing. A very simple way to stay in touch.
Teachers can use it to send out information, contact parents about upcoming events and stuff like that. It’s an everyday tool! All you need is to keep the computer on while you’re still at work, and so you can help your pupils while you’re planning for next day.
But I must say that I think the best part is that children can communicate and help each others. It will be both useful and social.
Other considerations:There’s always a risk when using the internet. There may be unknown people who try to get in touch with the pupils, mails containing viruses and such things. So if you are going to use this program, it’s very important that you inform the children and really teach them how to use it.
Another important thing is to make sure that every kid has access to a computer at home. There aren’t many families today that don’t have a computer, but many parents have strict restrictions about how much time their children get to spend in front of it. So it’s not only about informing the kids, you definitely need to work it out with the parents too.
And finally, you need to decide how much you should be available. While you’re at your working place? In the evenings at home? Weekends? It’s of course very individual, but I think it’s easy to give it too much time, which can create stress. Especially if you decide to go online when you’re at home, then they’ll have access to you all the time, which may be a little overwhelming.
So there’s plenty to think about, but I believe it would work and I will try it, someday.
//Jonna Carlsson
Hi Jonna,
ReplyDeleteI believe as well that MSN is a really good idea for communication and information. It seems like you have been thinking and planning everything very well, but I am concerned about bullying.
By allowing chatting both at home and in school with classmates can make the pupils write mean things to each other.
Even if you as a teacher gives the pupils a lesson in “how to treat your friend or don’t treat your friends” over the internet, it will be hard for you as a teacher and even hard for their parents to control if they are nice to each other during the chat. I guess it is a start by telling them how they don’t should do but maybe you as a teacher should make a few class accounts and that only allow it during a special lesson. So it hopefully can be easier to control it.
But other than that, like I wrote before, it is a good idea with a good planning.
Hugs/Marianne