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It appears that Blackboard has put a patent on their method/system and does not allow others to reproduce a system combining the applications they have without paying for it.  It is remarkable that this can be done.  Web2.0 applications are being created for individual applications all the time. I would have thought just simply putting them together in one package should not give them a right to stop others from doing the same thing. Other websites have storage of data files for a price also. Looking for a free one, any reader know of any?

The educ4105 course has now been completed and I ask where can this site go from here? How could it benefit my students and myself as a teacher?

• I could post homework and other events that are coming up, like a noticeboard.
• Actual homework activities and math websites to visit could be posted making maths interactive for students at home.
• Students off sick could see what has been taught for the day, making it easier to catch up.
• For new topics that will be taught there are prior skills that students will need to have learnt. Websites or other set activities can be posted for students to brush up on these before the new topic begins, thereby saving time for the teacher.
• As a noticeboard could be a very useful tool for comunicating with parents, as I understand that parent involvement wains as students progress from primary to high school.  
• It could be used as a resource site for likeminded teachers to share lesson ideas.

Mmm, good to mull over and consider the possibilities.  Does the reader have any thoughts on this? Comments are welcomed.

Advantages:

• Most all students would be familiar with the excel program
• It is easy to use
• It can be up/downloaded easily
• Students can analysis large amounts of data quickly

Disadvantages:

• Would be time consuming if some students were not familiar with the program and training was needed. Some students would find it easy to use while others would be beginner users
• Schools would need computers available for all students to use
• Limited facility to use it for anything more than number manipulation

Webquests are computer lessons where students use the web to gain knowledge and complete tasks through utilising interactive websites

Advantages

• Students are able to work through the webquest at their own pace
• There can be lessons of different length duration that can be carried over from lesson to lesson
• There should be enough scaffolding for students to work independantly of the teacher
• Most lessons involve working in groups so students can work together, helpping one another as they progress
• If designed well, student  engagement can be at a high level
• Students are becoming more familiar and even wanting and expecting lessons to be more technologically based.

Dissadvantages

• To design an original webquest takes a lot of time for the teacher
• Students will need access to computer facilities that may not always be available at all schools
• Most webquests i’ve seen are of low order thinking where students just follow what theve been asked to do rather than think about what should happen or any decisions that could be made. My own webquest has asked students think and make a recommendation.