Top 10 Reasons

10. Promote Safety and Responsibility

• We live in an over-share world, and many kids aren't aware of the dangers that are present when they share things to the internet. Sharing projects online can help teachers educate students and parents about digital safety and citizenship. It can be an effective way to teach students how to share quality work safely and responsibly.

9. Spark Ideas

• Shared projects give other students (and teachers), world-wide, ideas on what they can do in their own classrooms. Sharing can spark an idea for anyone that watches or views the shared projects.

8. Confidence

• Sharing work can help boost students' confidence. Many students will develop a sense of pride for the work they are sharing. However, be sensitive to the needs of your individual students. For some, sharing can be cause for anxiety. If sharing openly and online does not work for a particular student, find another way he/she can share within the classroom or to family members.

7. Larger Audience

• Sharing online allows projects to be shared with a wider audience. Friends and family all over the world can see what the students are creating.

6. Students Work Harder

• Many students will put in more of an effort if they know their work is going to be viewed by more than the teacher and even Mom and Dad. Many students will work harder because they know that they will be sharing their work with their peers and people who have similar interests.

5. Accomplishment

• Students (and teachers) will have a sense of accomplishment when they see their finished product. This goes along with helping students build confidence about what they have created. They will be proud to show others what was created.

4. Celebration

• We celebrate every athletic achievement like it makes all the difference in the world. Shouldn't we celebrate academic achievement and projects just as much? We might never have trophy cases, but we have lots of avenues for sharing projects.

3. ISTE Standard for Students #2

• “Students use digital media and environments to communicate and work collaboratively, including at a distance, to support individual learning and contribute to the learning of others.”

2. ISTE Standard for Teachers #5

• Standard 5 says that teachers should, “Contribute to the effectiveness, vitality, and self renewal of the teaching profession and of their school and community.” If teachers want their students to share, they should set the example and share their creations as well. Every reason listed in this top 10 list also applies to teachers.

1. Sharing is Caring

• Finding ways for students to share their work is a way to show them that you actually care about the final product, and that they show off what they have done. You are letting them know to be proud of their work.