Web-based Resources

Your iMovie lesson ideas are due at the beginning of class today.
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Finding and using web-based resources is a large part of integrating technology in the K-12 classroom. While discussions of search strategies and how to evaluate websites are important -knowing how to use the resources is of utmost value.

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What is it that gets students interested in your content area? What is the hook that draws them in? Sometimes it's a story, a "what if?" questions, or a model of something really large or really small. In other instances, it's a controversial issue that directly impacts the lives of your students. How can technology help you to find that hook? Internet resources and WebQuests can help a teacher to create a learning environment that makes students want to know more.

For the next several class sessions, we'll be looking at exemplary web resources for your content area and creating a WebQuest to add to your web-based portfolio. MarcoPolo is called a gateway site -- since it is acts as a "gateway" to 7 nationally recognized educational sites. We'll spend some time surveying the MarcoPolo partner sites and discussing how resources can enhance your curriculum.

Although most educators are aware of the wealth of resources available via the Internet, they are not sure how to use them appropriately in teaching their content area. In the mid-90s, Bernie Dodge, a professor of educational technology at San Diego State University, developed the notion of WebQuests. What is a WebQuest, you ask? Let Dr. Dodge tell you himself. Why would you teach using a WebQuest? One of Bernie Dodge's former graduate students, Tom March will tell you why.

For Tuesday's class - be familiar with the definition of a WebQuest and bring to class at least 2 of your content standards that could be addressed with a WebQuest.