Webquests

This week for my class discussion post I identified webquests as a tool for open-ended learning. I have used webquests in my classroom extensively. They provide an opportunity for students to collaborate, develop critical thinking skills, and to be authentically assessed. Bernie Dodge, the creator of webquests maintains a blog http://www.webquest.org/bdodge/?s=Webquests . Although his last post on webquests was approximately 18 months ago, they remain a quality open-ended learning tool. Bernie’s post on March 30, 2007 pertains to his webquest workshop with 40 teachers. The teachers were able to use QuestGarden, a fee based webquest builder to assist them in creating webquests about the Holocaust. QuestGarden does offer a 30 day free trial. The main benefit is that QuestGarden will host your quest if you don’t have access to a server.

Politics in Education

Yesterday I spent 5 hours in a torrential downpour waiting for Obama to speak at a rally held at the University of Mary Washington. Obama's main focus was on the middle class and the economy. I was a bit disappointed that he didn't mention education. In an effort to learn more about where he stands on the topic, I started doing a bit of research (story of my life:O)) While doing so, I came across this interesting video blog http://educationdebate2008.org/2008/09/13/did-you-know-the-us-education-industry-ranks-last-out-of-55-industries-in-their-use-of-technology/ Check it out.

CBT

I came across the Technology and Teaching in the K-6 Classroom blog (http://troody.edublogs.org/2008/04/27/computers-benefit-education/(http://troody.edublogs.org/2008/04/27/computers-benefit-education/_ )
The blog posts highlights the results of James Kulik’s study on computer based instruction. Kulik claims a major benefit of computer based instruction is its ability to “individualize instruction and give instant feedback to students, even explaining the correct answer. The computer is infinitely patient and nonjudgmental, thus motivating students to continue.”

This week I overheard a conversation between two 10th grade females. One of the girls claimed that she raised her hand to answer a question and the teacher called on her. She gave her answer and the teacher said, “No, not even close.” The girl continued to tell her friend, “Like I’m ever going to raise my hand in that class again.” I know this teacher and I am sure he didn’t realize that his comment had such a negative impact on this student. We’re teachers, we’re human. Does feedback from computerized instruction cause this type of reaction?

WBT or CBT

Ok, I'm becoming increasingly frustrated that I can't find blogs regarding WBT and CBT. Any suggestions? I've spent hours searching without anything to show for it. Aghhhhh.

Technology Around the World

When I was looking for CBT/WBT blogs, I came across this blog regarding mobile computer bus labs in Sri Lanka. http://ruhunulanka.wordpress.com/2008/09/11/mobile-computer-training-bus-arrived-to-nihiluwa/#comment-2 Technology is touching every corner of the world.

Constructivism Taken To A New Level

This week I read Diana Walczak article "Encompassing Education" that focused on Adventure Learning. Walczak’s presentation of Adventure Learning takes constructivism to a new level. The Tangitrek she describes incorporates self-directed learning, discovery learning, and situated learning opportunities. Constructivism calls for learning environments that are realistic and relevant, collaborative, offer multiple means of presentation, emphasize learner ownership, and nurture metacognition (Driscoll, 2005). The virtual environment that Walczak describes fulfills this criterion. The use of a virtual laboratory makes situated learning opportunities possible where they may not otherwise be feasible.

Maria Montessori, an early constructivist, advocated for mastery (1964). Although Walczak states that the Adventure Learning model will keep track of the student’s skill levels, it is unclear if mastery is required before proceeding to the next level. This is a strategy I would like to see added to the Adventure Learning Model. Constructivism also calls for time to reflect. According to Alessi and Trollip (2001), a key principle of constructivism should be to “encourage learners to accept and reflect on the complexity of the real world.” Because so much of Adventure Learning is done virtually, taking time to focus on reality is crucial. The Tangitrek may be so realistic that the line between real and virtual may become very blurred.

Airliners

Today I learned that my school has Airliners. I had never heard of them. They are electronic notepads that the teacher can write on or give to students to write on and pass around the room and whatever is written is then projected onto the SmartBoard. I can't wait to try it out.

I'm enrolled in a technology management course this quarter. One of the course requirements is to do a 90 minute observation once a week of how technology is used in my building. Tomorrow I'm going to observe a Science lesson that incorporates GPS.

Back on Track

I started this blog after attending NECC and haven't done much with it since. I'm still writing KAM III that focuses on the integration of online courses at the secondary level. Hopefully I will have time to write soon.

I'm enrolled in my last two courses and am very excited to get started on my proposal. I really want to be finished by next summer.