Day 4: WebQuests, Copyright and Ethics Issues

WebQuests are web-based lessons that cut across the curriculum and actively engage learners in several unique ways. First, WebQuests allow learners to explore on their own or in small groups as they seek knowledge and understanding of a certain topic. This exploration allows students to actively construct knowledge in a way that promotes cooperative learning and critical thinking. In addition, a classroom rich in the use of technology provides students with skills that are becoming more and more in demand.
Second, WebQuests involve reflection, collaboration, cooperation, social skills such as consensus-building skills, open minded thinking, multiculturalism, problem-solving, and an interdisciplinary approach to learning. They promote active involvement and learning that leads students to use reasoning skills not learned through memorization of specific facts, but rather developed from engaging in a problem-based process and applying both past experience and a wide variety of Internet information to the WebQuest outcome.
The components of a WebQuest are as follows:

Introduction: Introduces the topic and raises student interest in the lesson.
The Task: A description of what will be accomplished.
The Process: Suggested steps to accomplish the lesson.
Resources: A list of WebPages that can be used to complete the lesson.
Evaluation: Typically completing using an evaluation rubric.
Conclusion: A summary of the learner’s experiences.
Reflection: Learners reflect on aspects of the WebQuest they found most useful.
Extension: Additional opportunities in and outside of the classroom.
Notes to the Teacher: The goals and objectives of the WebQuest.

Day 3-Specialized Search Engines and Directories

As a teacher, it is important to know what to use and what not to use in your classroom when it comes to web-based tools. Many districts have put forth certain restrictions when it comes to using technology in the classroom because they want to protect students from unauthorized software, videos, etc... That is why Specialized Search Engines and Directories is a perfect resource for teachers who want to use web resources in their classroom, but aren't exactly sure where they should start. Bernie Dodge's search engine directory is especially designed for educators and students of all ages. The site classifies the different search engines by categorizing them based on whether or not they are to be used for educators, elementary students, middle school students, or by graduate students conducting research.
The web page is easy to use and each link comes with a brief description of what the website is called and the URL. It is like having a list of the best and most used search engines at your fingertips. Just add it to your bookmarks and your ready to go.

Day 3-Step Zero: What to Do Before Searching

I wish I would have read this article a little sooner. It seems like I am always having to refine my searches in order to find what I am looking for. For instance, if I am looking for information on SmartBoards, far to often I would just Google something like SmartBoards, but this search is much to vast and I end up getting a wide variety of information that I really did not need. However, if I create my 3M list like Bernie Dodge has written about in this article, I have a much better chance of finding exactly what I am looking for. Using the 3M's will most likely take you to where you need to be to find the information you seek. As Mr. Dodge says, the key to good searching is to start well, and then to adjust your terms as you see what's out there and clarify your goals.

Day 2-An Internet Primer for Teachers

It is really useful to teach young people how to effectively search for information online. I thought that the internet primer for teachers was a very good article for new teachers and others who may not yet feel comfortable navigating their way through the World Wide Web. I thought that the strategies that were provided would be very useful to students because they seemed to gradually narrow the focus of the search until it was possible to find the exact information that was being sought after. I also really liked how they encouraged young students to use bookmarks to save the location of some of their favorite websites for easy access. This information is really useful for all teachers, but I think that younger students would really benefit from it the most. I think that student must begin to gain experience navigating, creating, and socializing on the web at a early age, however as teachers and parents we must make sure that their journeys are safe ones.

Day 2-Hobbes' Internet Timeline

Hobbes' internet timeline is a really interesting document. Not only does it provide a sequential outline of America's advances in science and technology, but it also has links to the actual research that was conducted during the time. I found Bob Metcalfe's Harvard PhD Thesis outline idea for an Ethernet to be especially interesting. The timeline also lists the progress of the World Wide Web across the globe and lists many of the contributors to this achievement by name. It was really interesting to find out that a company called the World was the first company to provide an internet dial up service. It is really amazing to think just how far we have come in such a short period of time. The growth of the internet over the past forty years is also very intriguing. I really thought that the graphs were useful and informational. It will be interesting to see how how much further we can take it all. As a teacher, it is really exciting to think about it all.