When in doubt, read all the directions...
WebQuest location: http://questgarden.com/110/86/2/101009093715/
Strengths and Weaknesses of:
1. Introduction - Great intro! Gets kids interested and excited about being gold seekers (4th graders in Michigan learn about how/why/contributions of immigrants which includes the Gold Rush in California and Chinese immigrants - great time for this WebQuest. Could split kids into groups and make a WebQuest for each of the major immigrant groups of the US in 1800's, early 1900's.) Also great LA link.
2. A task that is doable and interesting.
Definitely puts interesting into the task and while clear on what to do at the end, (poster or Powerpoint), not clear on what information is to be collected. Seems too open-ended at this point for younger students. Maybe list some suggestions as to what kind of information to be collected (time of travel, obstacles, best routes to take, best things to pack, etc.)
3. Process: Very clear directions, well-spelled out for students after the first week. I like the gold-panning experiment. You could expand this to an outside activity using a small pool, even using pyrite as "gold." Good link to use to make maps. Good Venn diagram idea to compare and contrast routes. Could also compare/contrast things needed for journey.
4. Evaluation: Well laid out rubric. Students will know exactly what is expected and how their work will be graded.
5. Conclusion - closure? reminder? Overall...
Good conclusion - an opportunity for students to review what they have learned in their summary as well as providing another site to which they can go to find more information. I like this WebQuest!
Good use of group work and individual summaries. Students can work together collecting information but write summaries at their own level. Good creativity input by students by creating their own coin, drawing maps (maybe supply a variety of materials/tools), writing summaries (I like the idea of making the journals but not clear what she means by making it "look like" one from the time period...in the writing? Visually? (use brown paper bags crumpled up to look old??)
6. Usable without modification? Definitely. Changes I would make....see above.
Also, I would never end a sentence with a preposition, poor Sister Mary Clarice would roll over in her grave. :)
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
WebQuests
After reading about WebQuests and their use in the classroom, I think there are many more strengths in using this tool in a classroom than weaknesses. As a student working toward an Integrated Science degree, I am in full support of any tool used to teach students via inquiry-based learning. As noted in the article, "We learn by doing..." Any project in which students will "buy in to" will create a better learning environment. By integrating subjects in which students are intersted, or at least areas in which students may have some interest, will facilitate student "buy in." For example, not a lot of 5th graders are excited about learning about the American Revolution, but if a student has a special interest in weapons, they could use a WebQuest to explore that area of the subject. If there is a student who is a fashion diva, their interest may spark an interest in exploring the clothing of the time.
On a simple note, a WebQuest will increase computer skills while increasing knowledge in the subject area.
If done as a group project (recommended), a WebQuest group will learn: how to share the load and work together; the importance of collaboration; how to build leadership skills as well as skills needed to work as a team, something all students must learn for the jobs of tomorrow.
The self-directed, self-paced organization of a WebQuest will help learners of various levels work at their own pace while challenging them to do their best work. A presentation at the end of the WebQuest is important for students to show what they have learned but also practice on how to effectively present their findings, whether with a PowerPoint-type presentation and/or a verbal presentation to peers and the instructor.
A WebQuest lesson will help the teacher become more of a coach, supporting student-led learning - facilitating knowledge rather than "giving" knowledge.
Weaknesses? There are a few. As with many Ed Tech tools, money is always a factor. There must be access to Web-linked computers for each group. In researching the Technology Inventory project, most schools in the US have a 3 to 1 computer ratio. While there is an uneven distribution in many states, most students have access to an online computer.
There is less oversee by the teacher which can lead to problems if students choose to not stay on task and don't "buy in to" the project. But by making it interesting, meaningful, and fun for the students, this should not be a long-range problem. Most kids love to learn if given the opportunity and the tools required, especially on a computer.
A good, solid rubric is essential to evaluate the WebQuest lesson. With a variety of learning levels, different subjects (albeit based on a main theme), and different group dynamics, evaluating the lesson/presentations will take a skillful teacher.
All in all, WebQuests promise to increase student interest in learning, offer inquiry-based opportunities, and help prepare students for the team-intensive jobs of the future.
On a simple note, a WebQuest will increase computer skills while increasing knowledge in the subject area.
If done as a group project (recommended), a WebQuest group will learn: how to share the load and work together; the importance of collaboration; how to build leadership skills as well as skills needed to work as a team, something all students must learn for the jobs of tomorrow.
The self-directed, self-paced organization of a WebQuest will help learners of various levels work at their own pace while challenging them to do their best work. A presentation at the end of the WebQuest is important for students to show what they have learned but also practice on how to effectively present their findings, whether with a PowerPoint-type presentation and/or a verbal presentation to peers and the instructor.
A WebQuest lesson will help the teacher become more of a coach, supporting student-led learning - facilitating knowledge rather than "giving" knowledge.
Weaknesses? There are a few. As with many Ed Tech tools, money is always a factor. There must be access to Web-linked computers for each group. In researching the Technology Inventory project, most schools in the US have a 3 to 1 computer ratio. While there is an uneven distribution in many states, most students have access to an online computer.
There is less oversee by the teacher which can lead to problems if students choose to not stay on task and don't "buy in to" the project. But by making it interesting, meaningful, and fun for the students, this should not be a long-range problem. Most kids love to learn if given the opportunity and the tools required, especially on a computer.
A good, solid rubric is essential to evaluate the WebQuest lesson. With a variety of learning levels, different subjects (albeit based on a main theme), and different group dynamics, evaluating the lesson/presentations will take a skillful teacher.
All in all, WebQuests promise to increase student interest in learning, offer inquiry-based opportunities, and help prepare students for the team-intensive jobs of the future.
Friday, October 15, 2010
4. Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Decision Making
Students use critical thinking skills to plan and conduct research, manage projects, solve problems, and make informed decisions using appropriate digital tools and resources. Students:
c. collect and analyze data to identify solutions and/or make informed decisions.
One of the most important benefits to educational technology is the ability to find multiple sources of research information. From learning the mating patterns of the ring-tailed lemur, to finding peer discussions on the next election, students have access to more information, as well as different types of information, than ever before. While you can find all about ring-tailed lemurs at your library, the internet allows you the opportunity to not only find the facts, but also lots (and lots!) of opinions on almost every imaginable subject. While it is harder to wade through all the information, it is a great opportunity to hear many more sides to issues.
I am an Integrated Science Major. I hope to teach in an elementary classroom but think teaching at the middle school level, especially in science, would be very exciting with all the technology available. I believe strongly in science being a hands-on, evidence-to-conclusions environment in a science classroom. Two of the technology areas I believe would be best utilized in a science curriculum would be data collection, storage, and presentation and research.
I would design a lab, let's say, on conservation of mass. The students would carry out the lab in the classroom and use technology in any/all of the following ways:
Students could use a graphing program, such as Excel, to collect and store data and choose the most appropriate way to present the information. ie: bar graphs, line graphs, lists, etc. They could share this information on a classroom wiki.
Students could also take pictures of their lab, either to visually represent the step by step instructions or show the reactions and results of their experiments. These digital photos could be uploaded and included in a final report and/or presentation.
Students could use the internet for research, to search for resources, to view simulations and compare them to their own lab, to watch videos about the lab experiment, etc.
Students could also use PowerPoint or other mulitmedia tools to present their findings and conclusions to peers and teachers or post on a classroom website. Of course, there is always the opportunity for the student(s) to blog about their lab experience.
By collecting others' information and combining it with their own, students would be able to collect and analyze data to identify solutions and/or make informed decisions (conclusions).
Students use critical thinking skills to plan and conduct research, manage projects, solve problems, and make informed decisions using appropriate digital tools and resources. Students:
c. collect and analyze data to identify solutions and/or make informed decisions.
One of the most important benefits to educational technology is the ability to find multiple sources of research information. From learning the mating patterns of the ring-tailed lemur, to finding peer discussions on the next election, students have access to more information, as well as different types of information, than ever before. While you can find all about ring-tailed lemurs at your library, the internet allows you the opportunity to not only find the facts, but also lots (and lots!) of opinions on almost every imaginable subject. While it is harder to wade through all the information, it is a great opportunity to hear many more sides to issues.
I am an Integrated Science Major. I hope to teach in an elementary classroom but think teaching at the middle school level, especially in science, would be very exciting with all the technology available. I believe strongly in science being a hands-on, evidence-to-conclusions environment in a science classroom. Two of the technology areas I believe would be best utilized in a science curriculum would be data collection, storage, and presentation and research.
I would design a lab, let's say, on conservation of mass. The students would carry out the lab in the classroom and use technology in any/all of the following ways:
Students could use a graphing program, such as Excel, to collect and store data and choose the most appropriate way to present the information. ie: bar graphs, line graphs, lists, etc. They could share this information on a classroom wiki.
Students could also take pictures of their lab, either to visually represent the step by step instructions or show the reactions and results of their experiments. These digital photos could be uploaded and included in a final report and/or presentation.
Students could use the internet for research, to search for resources, to view simulations and compare them to their own lab, to watch videos about the lab experiment, etc.
Students could also use PowerPoint or other mulitmedia tools to present their findings and conclusions to peers and teachers or post on a classroom website. Of course, there is always the opportunity for the student(s) to blog about their lab experience.
By collecting others' information and combining it with their own, students would be able to collect and analyze data to identify solutions and/or make informed decisions (conclusions).
Friday, October 8, 2010
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Friday, September 17, 2010
Technology at home
As I am not teaching yet, my technology inventory will be short. Growing up, technology in the classroom included overhead projectors (on a good day) and calculators (brought from home). I even ran a ditto machine! Oh, how things have changed....
At home, we have internet with a broadband connection. We use Skype, gmail, Facebook and blogs to stay in touch with family (San Francisco, Colorado, Russia), DVR and NetFlix (does that count?), scanner, printer, fax with the scanner (though I've never used it), one daughter has an iTouch, 2 laptops (sadly, neither is mine), 4 of us have iPods on which we also listen to podcasts (Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me is one of my favorites). We still have a land line but also have 3 cell phones (mom, dad, 16 year old) with texting.
Skype is our newest toy and I can think of a plethora of great uses in the classroom. "Pen pals" are now email pals and Skype would be a great way to talk face to face between emails. We emailed friends in Poland we met through Odyssey of the Mind. I'll have to reconnect and see if they have Skype. Some authors host Skype discussions, I understand, which must be cheaper for all involved than hosting an author in person. (In person would be best but the funds are not always available).
The newest technology in my kids' classrooms is the interactive white board. All the core classrooms at the high school and middle school and all the elementary classrooms have them this year. The fourth grader's teacher uses his daily. Starting with attendance, my son says he uses it for math, language arts, and science mostly. They have watched some videos (fainting goats - genetics), gone on a virtual tour (Mackinac Island - they take a trip in May - and in fourth grade Michigan is a big part of the social studies curriculum), studied geometry with 3D models, etc.
My middle schooler is in the PEAKS program and her core teachers are working toward a textbook free classroom. All the students will have laptops and the classrooms will be equipped with synchronized interactive whiteboards. Interesting concept. I know my high schooler appreciates online textbooks so she doesn't have to lug hers home. I have a hard time reading textbooks (or anything long) on the computer. My eyes tire fast.
The high school teachers use their boards mostly as glorified white boards, according to my junior. But she has only been in 5 classrooms so far this school year.
The (elementary) teachers take attendance on their computers, have easy access to students' emergency phone numbers (nice last year when our field trip bus didn't show and we had to get permission to have parents drive), grades are on computer, and for the middle and high schoolers, I can access their grades online. I can also put lunch money on their account. I have much more access to the teachers and I would think it is easier on them to answer an email than a phone call. Email notices about upcoming events and school newsletters is helpful and ecologically friendly.
At home, we have internet with a broadband connection. We use Skype, gmail, Facebook and blogs to stay in touch with family (San Francisco, Colorado, Russia), DVR and NetFlix (does that count?), scanner, printer, fax with the scanner (though I've never used it), one daughter has an iTouch, 2 laptops (sadly, neither is mine), 4 of us have iPods on which we also listen to podcasts (Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me is one of my favorites). We still have a land line but also have 3 cell phones (mom, dad, 16 year old) with texting.
Skype is our newest toy and I can think of a plethora of great uses in the classroom. "Pen pals" are now email pals and Skype would be a great way to talk face to face between emails. We emailed friends in Poland we met through Odyssey of the Mind. I'll have to reconnect and see if they have Skype. Some authors host Skype discussions, I understand, which must be cheaper for all involved than hosting an author in person. (In person would be best but the funds are not always available).
The newest technology in my kids' classrooms is the interactive white board. All the core classrooms at the high school and middle school and all the elementary classrooms have them this year. The fourth grader's teacher uses his daily. Starting with attendance, my son says he uses it for math, language arts, and science mostly. They have watched some videos (fainting goats - genetics), gone on a virtual tour (Mackinac Island - they take a trip in May - and in fourth grade Michigan is a big part of the social studies curriculum), studied geometry with 3D models, etc.
My middle schooler is in the PEAKS program and her core teachers are working toward a textbook free classroom. All the students will have laptops and the classrooms will be equipped with synchronized interactive whiteboards. Interesting concept. I know my high schooler appreciates online textbooks so she doesn't have to lug hers home. I have a hard time reading textbooks (or anything long) on the computer. My eyes tire fast.
The high school teachers use their boards mostly as glorified white boards, according to my junior. But she has only been in 5 classrooms so far this school year.
The (elementary) teachers take attendance on their computers, have easy access to students' emergency phone numbers (nice last year when our field trip bus didn't show and we had to get permission to have parents drive), grades are on computer, and for the middle and high schoolers, I can access their grades online. I can also put lunch money on their account. I have much more access to the teachers and I would think it is easier on them to answer an email than a phone call. Email notices about upcoming events and school newsletters is helpful and ecologically friendly.
I'd have to say, coming back to school after many years, one of the biggest hurdles was figuring out blackboard. I had used email, Excel, Word, etc., but that was the extent of my knowledge. I think there should be a grading curve for those of us who were not born with a silver iTouch in our hands! :)
I would like to see every student with a laptop, either full time or at least part of the day at school. There are so many applications they could use. Instant feedback on quizzes would be beneficial to teachers. If all the students got a particular part of the test wrong, the teacher would know immediately that the content would have to be taught again.
I hope to get more comfortable with what is available and how to use it, in terms of education technology. The "how to use it" is, I think, what is keeping teachers from using all available technology, and using it well, in their classrooms. Sometimes it's a matter of needing more training and sometimes, just having the time, courage, and initiative to jump in.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Virgin Post
Here it is...my practice post. Does it have to do with technology and education? I think computers are a necessary evil but hope this class improves that opinion...we'll see. My kids start school tomorrow - 4th, 6th and 10th. Yikes!
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