Game Plan Progress
This week introduced the use of Problem Based Learning as an instructional tool. This tool promotes higher thinking order as it engages students in authentic learning by challenging them to solve real problems as they learn content (Laureate Educational Inc., 2009).
This is yet another tool that will improve my integration of technology into content learning in the classroom in line with the goal of lifelong learning, I self-directed the use of skills in designing Problem Based Learning. One technological resource that is promising in this respect is the Web Quest (Cennamo, Ross & Ertmer, 2009) which I took time to explore.
Strategies to make the use of problem based learning successful include engaging students in reflective thinking, modeling the learning process, giving feedback, and guiding effective collaboration (Ertmer & Simons, 2006). I will continue to learn more of the technological tools that are available so that I will be able to give students choice in the use of technology and instructional process to learn content. This will help in addressing learner’s diversity (Cennamo, Ross & Ertmer, 2009).
I am confident that with more ongoing exploration, I am going to be more confident and comfortable with helping and meaningful instructional activities using technology (King-Sears, 2007).
H. S. Science
Florence
References
Cennamo, K., Ross, J. & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology Integration for Meaningful Classroom Use: A Standards-Based Approach. Chapter 5, “Customizing Student Learning Activities” & Chapter 6, “Assessment and Evaluation” (Laureate Education, Inc., Custom ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.
Ertmer, P., & Simons, K. (Spring 2006). Jumping the PBL implementation hurdle: Supporting the efforts of K-12 teachers. The Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning, 1(1), 40-54. Retrieved from http://docs.lib.purdue.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1005&context=ijpbl.
King-Sears, M., & Evmenova, A. S. (2007, Sep/Oct). Premises, principles, and processes for integrating TECHnology into instruction. Teaching Exceptional Children, 40(1), 6–14.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Spotlight on Technology: Problem-Based Learning, Part 1. Baltimore: Author.
Florence,
ReplyDeleteI am still looking for the information in our test that you mentioned about Web Quests. So far all I have found is one sentence in the summary of chapter four on page 95 that states it is a way to help guides students learning (Cennamo, Ross & Ertmer, 2009). I created a mock Web Quest when I was getting my teaching degree, but since have not had an opportunity to further delve into similar activities. I am interested as well in learning how to effectively create and administer this type of guided learning adventure. So, if you find any good links, please be sure to pass them along.
Mack (not Thomas)
NWAllprep
K-12 Everything
I meant "in our text" not "test". Sorry.
ReplyDeleteFlorence and Mack,
ReplyDeleteI was also very interested in Web Quest, as I have not yet tried this type of learning activity. I have used PhotoStory, wikis, blogs, and Kidspiration. I am looking to integrate more online resources available, podcasts, and Web Quests. Mack, The Web Quest information is found in our text on page 55 (Cennamo, Ross & Ertmer, 2009). It seems from reviewing the text that a Web Quest is a type of Problem Based learning, because it is composed of "an introduction that motivates...clear statement of the intended outcome... the steps that students should follow... criteria on which they will be evaluated.. and concluding activities where students reflect and extend their learning" (Cennamo, Ross & Ertmer, 2009, p. 55). I know there was a resource in one of our classes that listed various Web Quest sites. Can our blogging community help us locate this resource?
Reference:
Cennamo, K., Ross, J. & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology Integration for Meaningful Classroom Use: A Standards-Based Approach.
I don't know which webquest you investigated, however I will post the one I have used before. It is free and upon re-visiting it myself I see that it now has some new options like allowing you to incorporate utube videos. Although, I still do not know if you would have to get them cleared through the school in order for them to work properly.
ReplyDeleteMack,
ReplyDeleteI had the opportunity to investigate some Web Quest this week. It is so rich in resources that will engage students in authentic learning. I just typed Web Quest in biology as my search word. The Web Quest support problem based learning strategy and if you find one that you can modify (Laureate Educational Inc., 2009) with permission from the author; it will engage your student and bring about enduring learning. The Web Quest contains detailed step by step instructions that students need to know to solve the problem and resources (Stewart, 2003).
H. S. Science
Florence
Reference
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Spotlight on Technology: Problem-Based Learning, Part 1. Baltimore: Author.
Stewart, S. (2003). Virtual ecosystems. Retrieved from http://coe.nevada.edu/sstewart/index.html