Journal #2

Breathing Fire into Web 2.0. By Justin Hardman and David Carpenter

In this article, Hardman and Carpenter discuss the advantages to using classroom and curriculum management software that has been integrated into a web-based tool, myDragonNet. The article explains the transition the software made, originally being file storage and calendar to becoming a tool for communication, collaboration, and maintaining individual portfolios for students, teachers and administrators, in addition to mapping and managing curriculum. The goal was to develop software and a web-based tool that would prepare and allow students, teachers and administrators a connection to the technological world outside of school.

1. Why was myDragonNet developed? And what were some of the criteria it was expected to meet?
Schools tend to be unconnected with the technological world outside their walls. MyDragonNet was a way to help schools adapt to and “fully engage with the Web 2.0 world”. While it originally was file storage and calendar, there was a need for a program that also included a way to “enhance communication and collaboration” for teachers and students, “provide curriculum mapping…[and] development”, and “serve as an online portfolio management system”.

2. Why is it important that myDragonNet be able to store and showcase individual’s work?
The reason to allow students and teachers to showcase their work on myDragonNet is to illustrate the growth and progress made by individuals and allow for reflection. It also allows for a diversity of work to be demonstrated. MyDragonNet also allows for a personalization of the work showcased, reflecting each individual’s “creativity” and “passions”. Since myDragonNet also includes storage, teachers can reference prior years work for examples.