Sure, you can google like a pro, but can you troubleshoot the blue screen of death?

Great, you've created a curriculum web for your classroom. Now what? Well, there are a number of factors that will determine the effectiveness of a curriculum web in the classroom. Sadly, some schools and classrooms will have a difficult time supporting a web-based lesson or curriculum at all. Let's explore some of the factors teachers face:

Does your classroom have the technology infrastructure to support a curriculum web? If your classroom does not have computers or access to a lab or computer cart, a curriculum web may be a lost cause. Many urban students lack productive computers at home and requiring library visits is a difficult hurdle. Moreover, the number of working laptops with the correct software must hit the threshold of how many groups or students you have. Use in shifts may be a tricky proposition.

Does the teacher have a knowledge of laptops that is deep enough to support mini-lessons, student questions and troubleshooting? Technology requires support and someone must be available to provide that support. Teachers lacking necessary knowledge put themselves in a very difficult place. Disaster may ensue. Most schools do not have the resources to have an on-call IT professional who is always available.

Do your students have the computer knowledge necessary to undertake a computer-based curriculum? If not, their teacher will need to provide extensive background and training for the students. Many school curricula do not have time put aside for these activities so difficult decisions will need to be made. Furthermore, student populations may be split in terms of computer experience requiring teachers to offer extensively differentiated lessons.