So I made a website and found that it can be a very time consuming task. So how would it be used in a class...

PLUS

This task would be great in a classroom situation as an all year project. you could have the learners begin with a blank canvas and they would then learn about various gadgets, introducing their own style to the web page and then documenting a passion that they have throughout the year. I can see many different outcomes where the learners would be able to practice for a real life experience. For instance, if their passion is ICT, they may choose to make a website around that passion, if a social advocate they might wish to monitor sites that have a social conscience and document what is happening from their perspective. It would also be great if you were able to get a family to take part in a historical record or online family tree web page where they document various family events, past and present. For instance, they could discuss how Auntie Lou was an emigrant and the challenges she faced when she came to Australia. The time line would then follow how the family has forged ahead and gained an identity of their own that is particularly theirs. A website can be used for a practice business venture too. As vehicles for literacy, numeracy and communication, websites and other  technologies are highly visual and according to Kress (1995) becoming more a normal part of classroom practice.

MINUS 

I found that there are limitations to a website. It is one of many on a search engine hit list and unless you know what your target is, looking for a website can be like looking for a needle in a haystack. It is also under the company that you have signed with and you have to pay domain fees and registrations to remain on the internet. Then, there are the problems with some of the 'buttons' not working once they have been uploaded. I found that one of my links just would not work, no matter how many times I loaded it. The only way I could see to delete the item, was to delete the page and begin again...Not an option after so many hours of fiddling. So for me, using tools in the classroom, the blog is definitely the winner with the wiki coming in a close second. Important to note that you need a plan for a website and linking it to Facebook and other social networking sites is probably the best way to get well known. Lastly I found that to have a website means that you have to be really aware of ethical and moral standards, safety for children and an awareness of what is being posted by the creator of the site.  It will really mean thinking hard about how to use this tool effectively, collaboratively and in a way that brings about responsible ownership by individuals. 

INTERESTING

Communication is used in a different manner to the traditional linear style that you use in letters, email, and face to face conversation. (Lowrie & Higgs, 2010).

To make sense of the available technologies my role will be to provide as many experiences to integrate as many media forms into the learning and to bring about critical thinking regarding their learning. (Anstey & Bull, 2006). For example, imagine thinking that everything you see online is real? Reminds you of the old adage that Granddad used, "Don't believe everything that you read" when you looked at a newspaper. 

So take a look at my effort...

http://quiltaholicsanonymous.weebly.com/index.html

References:

Anstey, M & Bull, G. (2006). Teaching and learning multiliteracies: changing times, changing literacies. Kensington Gardens, SA:   Australian Literacy Educators' Association.
Lowrie, T & Higgs, J. (2010). Theories of communication. In Ewing, R, Lowrie, T, & Higgs, J. (Eds.), Teaching and communicating: rethinking professional experiences (pp.12-21). Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press.