Laura Dowling

Dowling's "Virtual Classroom" project functions as the "glue" that keeps the class together, whether students are at school or home. While at school, students use the Web site for taking tests, classwide discussions, posting writings, and to create a "Webfolio" of all work that is subsequently presented at the end of each term. Nearly all classroom materials, including commonly asked questions, are posted on the Web site for students and parents to access. Students receive immediate feedback on projects as they work online, and it's possible to have real time conversations with the teacher (both during and after school); many formerly shy students are expressing their voice by using the online discussion format. This new means to conduct class is helping students become engaged in their work and learn to the best of their ability.