Assignment 4 Chapter 8

INTEGRATING THE INTERNET INTO THE CURRICULUM

Questions to ask for web based activities.
1. What is the curriculum related purpose of the activity?
2. Does the internet enhance the activity?
3. How will students use online resources as opposed to just locating them?
4. Do students have the necessary information analysis or information synthesis skills?
5. Do I have the necessary time and support for the activity?

Types of lessons:
1. Interpersonal exchanges: students communicate via technology with other students.
2. Information collection and analysis: use information collections that provide data and information on request.
Problem solving: coopertive problem solving projects.

Some ideas for web based projects:
ePals to link students to exchange information http://www.epals.com/
Virtual Field Trips: Go North! http://www.polarhusky.com/
Tramline Virtual Field Trips http://www.tramline.com/

These are a couple of sites that would support web based learning and possibly align with the required curriculum and literature in English. Consider Table 8.1 for more information.

Website Support Functions

1. Project overview, announcement, and application
2. Tutorial instruction.
3. Information summaries and exchanges.
4. Communication and support.
5. Displays of past and current student work.
6. Project development centers.

A website that follows under item 3 is KIDLINK Multicultural calendar http://www.kidlink.org/KIDPROJ/MCC/
Another website of interest under item 5 Kid Plus http://www.kidplus.org/

These are a couple of virtual meeting spaces where students can share information.

Strategies for Integrating the Internet into the Curriculum
1. Writing with Writers http://teacher.scholastic.com/writewit
Students work to publish their own work after working with authors, editors, and illustrators.
2.Unsung Heroes: An ePals project http://www.epals.com/projects/unsung_heroes
Students around the world exchange information about students, teachers, and others in their communities whose positive actions are making a difference in the quality of life of those around them.
3.Read/Write/Think http://www.readwritethink.org/
This website suppports literacy in K-12 by providing lessons, standards, web resources, and materials.

NINE AREAS FOR EVALUATING WEBQUESTS

1. Overall Visual Appeal
2. Navigation and Flow
3. Mechanical Aspects
4. Motivational Effectiveness of Introduction
5. Cognitive Effectiveness of Introduction
6. Connection of Task to Standards
7. Cognitive Level of Task
8. Clarity of Process
9. Scaffolding of Process

Java applets: make webpage features such as animations and special effects, graphics and buttons, interactive displays and web data collection forms.http://java.sun.com/applets

Be aware of legal issues surrounding images; many are copyrighted. Ask permission.