Smackdown #3 - Good VS Bad Websites (eBay vs Craigslist)

(Apologies for the bad quality at the start of the video. It fixes at 0:12.) 

    For this Smackdown, I looked at the differences between the websites of eBay and Craigslist. These companies are similar in a sense that they are used for reselling used items. They cater to a wide range of product categories, including electronics, clothing, furniture, and vehicles, which users can upload pictures of themselves. On both platforms, sellers create their own listings and set prices, while buyers browse and contact sellers about items they’re interested in. Upon first glance at the Craigslist website, you would have no idea what the site is for. The website is very unorganized and extremely overwhelming. The site has no pictures on the home page and is just a long list of items. When I typed in "bookshelf" just to see what would come up, majority of the results were completely unrelated. 

    Looking at the eBay website, the site is immediately better. It's bright and colorful with images of recommended and trending items, as opposed to the long list of words on Craigslist. I typed in "bookshelf" and was given pictures of hundreds of bookshelves. The option to filter results is also very easy to use. eBay is much more user friendly and much more visually appealing. Craigslist looks sketchy and for websites that don't have real stores, the websites need to be amazing. I've never actually shopped on either of these sites, but eBay would be the clear winner based on looks of the website alone.

Technology Blog #4 - Building a Collaborative Culture: Connecting Chapter 4 to Teaching

This chapter emphasizes the importance of personal learning networks (PLNs) for educators. The chapter outlines how PLNs provide a platform for continuous, self-directed learning and collaboration with other teachers on the global level. Through various digital tools, such as blogs as well as social media, teachers can share ideas, access resources, and talk with peers for various reasons. The chapter encourages educators to make connections within three main networks: the local professional learning community (PLC), a global PLN, and a community of practice. This networked approach creates an open, growth-oriented environment that increases teaching effectiveness and promotes innovative learning practices.

This is really important for me as a future teacher. With the use of a PLN, I am able to continuously learn from my connections online. I will basically never run out of ideas or resources. I can also stay up to date on the newest trends and how I can incorporate them into my teaching in order to keep the class engaged. Once I start my blog, I am able to ask questions and hopefully receive answers in a timely manner if I want someone’s opinion on something or if I just need some assistance. With the use of a PLN, I am able to give my students a well rounded education. Personal learning networks have so many advantages for teachers. Do you think there are any careers where a PLN wouldn’t be that beneficial? How might classrooms differ with a teacher who has a PLN vs a teacher who does not?