Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Teacher Webpages
Teacher web pages are quickly growing into one more resource teachers must have amongst their resources. A teacher web page is simply a website featuring information about a teacher, the class or classes he or she teaches, and any other information the teacher decides to add. Most teacher web pages are supported by the school district or specific school the teacher is in. The teacher can share personal information with students and parents, but most teachers limit this to a school phone number, email, and possibly office or classroom hours. Additionally, teachers can include essential course information such as a syllabus, rubrics for projects, worksheets, and notes. Many teachers have begun to include links to other websites too. For example, some teachers choose to include links where students can further explore topics discussed in class or locations where students can seek help with homework when the teacher is unavailable.
I do not have a teacher webpage as of yet, but I can envision what I would like it to look like. I plan to include contact information such as the school phone number, my school email address, and when I plan to be available before during and after school so that parents and students can both get in touch with me as necessary. I also plan to include a syllabus for each class I instruct for students to refer to. One unique item I would like to add is a link to students work that is exceptionally well done. Of coarse, I would have to gain permission and follow the proper channels in order to do this. Additionally, I want to include additional assignments students can complete if they decide to practice a certain aspect of the course further. Lastly, I will include links to resources used in class, as well as resources students might find helpful in completing assignments and projects.
Webquests, as with most things in life, have positive and negative aspects. One of the largest benefits is that as the prevalence of computers increases, websites become more and more accessible for students, which helps fill time when a teacher might not be available. Parents can also stay up to date on what students are doing at school, and can easily contact the school or teacher with any questions or concerns. However, teachers need to be careful when using a webpage. Giving too much personally information on a teacher webpage is unwise. Plus, any information given must constantly be kept updated, which can be a significant burdened coupled with the strain of regular teaching duties. Lastly, students might rely too heavily on a teacher’s webpage, which could cause problems if the student misinterprets information from the webpage or uses it as an excuse to not pay attention in class.
I do not have a teacher webpage as of yet, but I can envision what I would like it to look like. I plan to include contact information such as the school phone number, my school email address, and when I plan to be available before during and after school so that parents and students can both get in touch with me as necessary. I also plan to include a syllabus for each class I instruct for students to refer to. One unique item I would like to add is a link to students work that is exceptionally well done. Of coarse, I would have to gain permission and follow the proper channels in order to do this. Additionally, I want to include additional assignments students can complete if they decide to practice a certain aspect of the course further. Lastly, I will include links to resources used in class, as well as resources students might find helpful in completing assignments and projects.
Webquests, as with most things in life, have positive and negative aspects. One of the largest benefits is that as the prevalence of computers increases, websites become more and more accessible for students, which helps fill time when a teacher might not be available. Parents can also stay up to date on what students are doing at school, and can easily contact the school or teacher with any questions or concerns. However, teachers need to be careful when using a webpage. Giving too much personally information on a teacher webpage is unwise. Plus, any information given must constantly be kept updated, which can be a significant burdened coupled with the strain of regular teaching duties. Lastly, students might rely too heavily on a teacher’s webpage, which could cause problems if the student misinterprets information from the webpage or uses it as an excuse to not pay attention in class.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Webquests
A webquest is an interactive search for information where all or most of the information comes from the internet. It is a more interactive way for students to engage in learning rather than notes and lectures.
Webquests can be very useful for educators because it is a tool that can be used multiple ways. Webquests are quite versatile. For example, webquests are often designed to help students imagine they are scientists, archeologists, professional researchers, mathematicians, or journalists, among other things, instead of simply being students sitting in a classroom learning facts. Webquests are a tool of empowerment and imagination. A well-designed webquest helps foster students’ imaginations and build creative thinking skills. I plan to use webquests to introduce new topics in exciting ways so that students are interested in learning about the new topic once the time comes for learning concrete facts. I might also use webquests to differentiate material based on students’ abilities. A webquest can be easily modified to accommodate a vast array of students.
Pros: Some of the pros of webquests include:
• easy to find pre-made webquests if the teacher does not wish to create his or her own
• easy to modify in order to accommodate student needs
• the teacher does not have to lecture
• students are actively engaged in learning
• students are more invested in their own learning
• exciting change of pace for students, especially those who do not enjoy traditional classroom learning format
Cons: Some of the cons of webquests are:
• webquests can be tedious and time consuming, which takes away from other learning opportunities
• students may rely on one or two individuals to complete the webquest, then try to share answers
• the teacher cannot observe each student at the same time
• students might fall behind pace
• students might interpret information in a way that is incorrect
• students might end up somewhere on the internet that the teacher did not intend.
Webquests can be very useful for educators because it is a tool that can be used multiple ways. Webquests are quite versatile. For example, webquests are often designed to help students imagine they are scientists, archeologists, professional researchers, mathematicians, or journalists, among other things, instead of simply being students sitting in a classroom learning facts. Webquests are a tool of empowerment and imagination. A well-designed webquest helps foster students’ imaginations and build creative thinking skills. I plan to use webquests to introduce new topics in exciting ways so that students are interested in learning about the new topic once the time comes for learning concrete facts. I might also use webquests to differentiate material based on students’ abilities. A webquest can be easily modified to accommodate a vast array of students.
Pros: Some of the pros of webquests include:
• easy to find pre-made webquests if the teacher does not wish to create his or her own
• easy to modify in order to accommodate student needs
• the teacher does not have to lecture
• students are actively engaged in learning
• students are more invested in their own learning
• exciting change of pace for students, especially those who do not enjoy traditional classroom learning format
Cons: Some of the cons of webquests are:
• webquests can be tedious and time consuming, which takes away from other learning opportunities
• students may rely on one or two individuals to complete the webquest, then try to share answers
• the teacher cannot observe each student at the same time
• students might fall behind pace
• students might interpret information in a way that is incorrect
• students might end up somewhere on the internet that the teacher did not intend.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Supply computers to all students?
Schools must decide whether it is a worthwhile investment to supply a computer for every student. Enabling each student to have his or her own computer is an interesting idea because it enhances students media literacy. Using computers to teach and to learn is one way to adapt to the needs of today's students. However, computers are still expensive, and supplying a computer for every single student within a school building would be an expense that few schools could absorb. Additionally, many students view computers as a way to relax and have fun, so having computers in the classroom could be a potential distraction from learning. In closing, computers are necessary to education in the current era, but supplying a computer for every student is unattainable for most schools in the current economy.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Friday, February 18, 2011
2010 Online Conference
The 2010 online conference is an innovative way for administrators, educators, and even students to connect with one another. Instead of converging on one location for a weekend of lectures and conferences, interested individuals can convene online, hence the name "2010 Online Conference." The benefits of this format are numerous, but one of the largest benefits is that educators no longer have to find the time to travel to and from the conference. Another benefit is that, since the conference is online, a person can work through it at his or her own pace, review items as needed, and never have to miss a session. Additionally, sharing information gleaned from the conference is extremely easy. One topic I found particularly relevent and interesting was the presentation titled "Shhh!!! The Students are Learning: Being an Effective Classroom Facilitator."
I enjoyed viewing this presentation because it spoke about classroom management. Personally, I think classroom management is a far greater challenge than simply teaching students a specific content area. One large idea I gained from the message was that teachers should "Be a facilitator of learning rather than a deliverer of information." What this statement essentially means is that teachers should avoid standing at the front of the classroom stating facts and lecturing students about a chosen topic. Rather, students should be actively engaged in the subject at hand. One way to do this is for the teacher to bestow students with greater roles of leadership. Theoretically, this encourages students to invest more into what they are expected to learn. In closing, the way a lesson is delivered has just as much influence on student learning as the knowledge and ability of students and teacher in the subject area.
http://k12onlineconference.org/?p=728
I enjoyed viewing this presentation because it spoke about classroom management. Personally, I think classroom management is a far greater challenge than simply teaching students a specific content area. One large idea I gained from the message was that teachers should "Be a facilitator of learning rather than a deliverer of information." What this statement essentially means is that teachers should avoid standing at the front of the classroom stating facts and lecturing students about a chosen topic. Rather, students should be actively engaged in the subject at hand. One way to do this is for the teacher to bestow students with greater roles of leadership. Theoretically, this encourages students to invest more into what they are expected to learn. In closing, the way a lesson is delivered has just as much influence on student learning as the knowledge and ability of students and teacher in the subject area.
http://k12onlineconference.org/?p=728
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