Day 21 - 2/26/07

Next Week's Agenda:
On March 5th, we will have a guest presenter that will provide an information session on evaluating Web resources and how to use UGA library's electronic resources for grades K-12. I will be returning from Washington DC that morning. If my flight is delayed another EDIT 2000 instructor will be introducing our presenter. Make sure you sign our attendance sheet!!!

On March 7th, we will begin our iMovie lesson. Due to the limited amount of cameras, we will need to begin this project while we are thinking over our WebQuest Assignment. We will have a media specialist whose expertise is in iMovie lead the class. It is expecially important that you are present on this day!!! I will be learning how to use iMovie that day too. We will learn from our presenter together. IT is important that you select a iMovie team (4 team members) today. You will have time on either Wednesday or Friday to reserve your Digital Cameras. Start thinking about when you will begin filming your iMovie. Every team member must participate and be in the movie! Yes, even the camera man. Move information will be provided later. You will have access to the camera's on March 7th. Other EDIT 2000 classes should have returned them by then. What I will do is give you the option of recording your film during classtime on March 9th. So you don't need to attend class that day. What I would do if I were you, is try finish filming everything by then. That way you can enjoy your spring break!

Now for today's lesson:
The purpose of today's lesson is for students to create a web-based lesson that incorporates cooperative learning, authentic learning, and web-based research. Today we will focus on WebQuests. A link to the requirements for Evaluating Teacher Resources Project is also provided.

What exactly is a WebQuest? What are its main characteristics? What are your initial reactions to WebQuests in terms of teaching and learning? What advantages and disadvantages do you see in teaching with WebQuests? What standards in your content area lend themselves to WebQuests?

Viewing exemplary webquests is a good way to get started on your own. Go to the main WebQuest page and click the words "Find WebQuests" on the left navigation bar. Using the Curriculum/Grade Level Matrix (in the middle of the page), spend a few minutes viewing 2 or 3 WebQuests in your content area. You can also see interviews with teachers who have used WebQuests here.

Hopefully, you're beginning to formulate an idea for a "hook" for your own WebQuest. It may be related to work you have already done in our class or work you are currently completing in other courses. It could even be something completely new in your content area. After you have some ideas together, review the WebQuest Assignment at the bottom of today's blog so that you are clear on what is expected. Before Wednesday's class, you'll want to identify your WebQuest topic. Use this website to help you in the selection process. Remember that the WebQuest doesn't need to follow the topic of your book, so be creative!

Generally, a good WebQuest topic should have some inherent complexity, such as controversial issues, multiple perspectives, unknowns, etc. The topic needs to have your students take information in and transform it, using their own judgement and creative problem-solving techniques -- a LoTi level 4 or higher -- the learning should be authentic. Certain topics tend to lend themselves more to the WebQuest format than others.

Today, I expect you to have selected your WebQuest team member (t0tal team members - 2). I have found this particular website very helpful. It goes through the development process in a sequential fashion. Your WebQuest will be posted on your website's Evaluating Teacher Resources webpage. Here is an example of one that is created using Google's Page Creator. The introduction to the WebQuest will help those that visit your site understand the purpose of the WebQuest that you will create.

Wednesday, February 28th-- please email a response to the following questions related to your WebQuest. Make sure to include your name in the body of the email. I will provide you with feedback about your topic choice via email before class on Friday, March 2. Make sure you include your team names and date when you submit your response to the questions below.

1. Briefly describe your topic
2. Why did you choose this topic?
3. How will your WebQuest be tied to Georgia performance standards?
4. How will web resources play an important role in your WebQuest?
5. How will your WebQuest require students' deep understanding or higher-level thinking instead of mere comprehension?

WebQuest Assignment: Due date to be announced.
Each team is to develop an original WebQuest for your grade level and subject area. The WebQuest should have an authentic and engaging task for students to complete. In addition, students are expected to have guidance in working in groups through the development of specific roles. A minimum of 5 annotated web resources should be provided for students - appropriate for the topic and grade level. Your audience is students in your chosen grade level and subject area. Rubric can be found at here.

Make sure you start thinking about your iMovie team (4 students) and your filming date. We might only have March 7-March 9th as possible dates to reserve the cameras. This is very important or you will not have film to work with after spring break!!! If class is dismissed early go down to OIT and reserve your camera ASAP!