You will investigate the use of the Internet in the classroom. Investigate and make decisions about the use of search engines, class/curriculum web pages, and WebQuests for use in your classroom. You will also look at the state technology standards and see what can apply to your classroom.

 

Process

Below you will find information the use of the Internet. Follow the links for each section. Many of the sites allow you to print the information if that would be more helpful for you. After each section please answer the questions and be prepared to discuss your views.

1) The use of search engines allows you to search any subject or item and retrieve websites that deal with that information.

• First visit the following site that explains how to limit your search so you hopefully receive exactly what you want. Seven Steps Toward Better Searching
• Use the techniques you have just learned and search for something in your subject area. Try searching a couple different sites for the same item and compare your results. You may use the following list of search engines.
• Answer the following questions:

  • Which search engine returned the most results?
  • Which search engine was the fastest?
  • What may be some problems with allowing my students to use search engines in class to investigate an item?

 

2) Some teachers have created class or curriculum sites that give students the ability to link to specific sites that they have already selected for the students use.

• Take a look at a few of the following sites.

  • Plate Tectonics Links
  • The Crucible HotList
  • A Social Studies HotList

• This site allows you to make a curriculum link page without any knowledge of web page authoring. All you need to do is fill in the blanks. Be prepared to register for the site or look at some more sites that have been created using their program.

• Answer the following questions.

  • What would be the advantages of a curriculum site?
  • Disadvantages?
  • Could you use a curriculum site as shown above in your classroom? If yes, how would you use it?

 

3) Beyond creating a curriculum website some teachers have developed WebQuests.

• What is a WebQuest? by Dr. Alice Christie
• Look at one of the following samples and evaluate(you may use the WebQuest Rubric).

  • Searching for the Right Planet
  • Mythology
  • MathArt

• Extra Time!

  • Dr. Bernie Dodge's WebQuest Matrix
  • Dr. Alice Christie's WebQuest Matrix

• Answer the following questions.

  • What did you see in the WebQuests that you liked?
  • What did you see in the WebQuests that you disliked?
  • What is a piece of curriculum you believe you could create a WebQuest about?
  • How do you believe a WebQuest would be valuable for your students?

4) The state technology standards have been updated recently. How could you apply some of the standards to your classroom?

• Arizona State Technology Standards

Reflection & Evaluation

Please evaluate your own skills, attitudes and this workshop.

• Evaluation Form

Conclusion

Please think about the questions below and share our responses with the group.

• What is one thing that you say today that you would like to use in one of your classes?
• What would you like to learn more about?
• What is something important to know before taking our class to use the Internet? (warnings, hints, ect.)

 Extension

Take a look at the district curriculum sites and find something that you could use in your classroom. If you find something you think should be included on the curriculum pages please please e-mail and send the site name and URL.

Hints for the Trainer

Task

Process

Evaluation

Conclusion

Extension

Hints

E-Mail

These materials are © copyrighted by Jordan Beveridge.

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