PBworks

= PBworks... = An online collaborating learning tool for educators.

 Resources Links and/or Class Examples
 * PBworks in Education
 * What is PBworks according to Wikipedia
 * PBworks User Manual
 * PBworks Tutorial
 * Education Sign Up Page
 * Educators PBworks
 * Third Grade PBworks Wiki Example
 * How to use PB Works...slideshare! http://www.slideshare.net/TaniaAlekson/how-to-use-pb-works

 Strengths
 * Free for a basic account that includes one workspace and 2GB storage.
 * A basic account also allows classroom accounts to connect to the workspace.
 * It allows for basic e-mail support.
 * Each workspace is similar to a wiki.
 * Allows you to have a “parent outreach” section where you can post assignments and material from the classroom.
 * You can connect to other classrooms throughout the world.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">You can create a private wiki/blog to keep out those unwanted visitors.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Invite parents to join by giving them an invite key.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Weaknesses
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Only allows 100 users to connect to your workspace.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Basic account does not allow for backup of your material.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">To have full customization you have to pay $99 per year.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">You have to manually filter out the junk.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Opportunities
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Helps students organize their notes.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Parents can keep up to date on what is happening in the classroom.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Increases parent involvement.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Allows all students to contribute to a theme.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Display student work.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Encourages students to be independent, creative learners.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Gives you an opportunity to evaluate students’ writing.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Threats
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Junk mail/content.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Unwanted visitors.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Ideas for the Classroom
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Before adding students to this program, have parents sign a permission slip.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Create a theme each quarter of the school year and have students contribute throughout the quarter for a accumulating class project.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Have students take photos and create a story to go with this and post them to the class wiki.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Each student has their own journal to express themselves.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Create a wiki at the beginning of the school year to see what students want to learn throughout the school year.