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WebQuest...Ever heard of 'em?

So here is a new tool for teachers specifically. I had never really heard about WebQuests before but they do make sense. A WebQuest is a way for students to go online and learn interactively and innovative-ly about something new. The content can vary and is limited to items search-able on the internet (I guess then it isn't really limited). Students are then required to look up searchable facts but then also incorporate higher level thinking about their newly acquired knowledge. For example, the WebQuest could be about authors. The students would be required to look up biographical information about a specified list of authors. From there the students could then write a journal from the authors perspective about writing the book the class has already read. All of this would be facilitated online of course which makes it more interesting and fun for the students. Overall, WebQuests seem like a nice classroom tool. Especially for older students. I am looking forward to creating my own WebQuest that maybe one day I can use in my classroom.

The Internet Saved the Day

It's really great to learn about all the internet has to offer us these days. Just last week I learned that the Wiki in Wikipedia has an application for casual patrons like me. A wiki is a type of webpage that can be edited by multiple authors; hence wikipedia and it's own validity crisis. However, a wiki can really prove useful. For example, in a class that I am currently taking this semester I am required to participate in a group project on learning disabilities. We were slow to start so when we finally got organized we needed quick ways to communicate information that didn't a) require that we were all together for the whole time (becuase that is now impossible for five college seniors) and b) didn't leave a huge mess in our respective inboxes. So we enlisted the Wiki. I started one on PBworks.com for free and invited all my group memebers to join too. Here we are all posting what we find that is relevent, important in a quick and effective mannor. I am pretty sure this is the best invention since sliced bread!

Also for the same project we have to present a PowerPoint presentation. I decided that again since time wasn't on our side that I would create this document in Google Docs so we could collaborative work on it as well. The internet is really going to help five college seniors over come our choronophobia.

Funny Video

Website Evaluation

All websites aren't reliable. In fact many are a few years old or published by a company or individual who wishes to persuade reader to their products/bias etc. As a future teacher and internet user in general it is important that we are aware of how to evaluate websites that we choose to visit and use. I found two websites that were extremely helpful in learning how to evaluate Websites. First is for adults and teachers at UNC-Chapel Hill's Library and the second is more kid friendly but equally as helpful at the Colorado State Library.

In my class TPTE 486 we performed an activity that helped us evaluate websites. I learned that for me it is important to ask: What is the primary purpose of this site? Who is the author and is he/she reliable? Is there or could there be a bias present in the content based on either of the above questions? Is it current and accurate? Is it easy for me to use? Then, if my students will be using it: Is it easy for my students to use? And, Is it accessible to all my students including those with hearing impairments and other disabilities?

These questions provided me with a reliable decision as to whether I will use the website in question or not. On the other hand, when asking whether a website has a publishing body can be extra time and or if you learn the author your answers may already be evident. Overall, these questions and this activity were helpful in my quest to better understand how I can use the internet for both my self and my role as an educator. I look forward to utilizing all the reliable websites that the web has to offer us!

Welcome to My Blog

Hello and Welcome! My name is Cassie I am a casual user of technology who is learning how to integrate technology into curriculum. Here I will reflect on what I am learning, how I hope to use it, and anything I learn that will be helpful for me to remember and for you to read. I hope you enjoy looking around here as this site grows. I will also incorporate any of my other interests in ballet, photography, travel, literature etc. Thanks for stopping by!