Links to WebQuests

WebQuest links (with in my curriculum):

1- Computer Injuries WebQuest

http://www.billtown.org/WebQuest/Computer%20Injuries.htm

I have chosen this WebQuest for many reasons. This WebQuest is about Computer Injuries which is one of the lessons that I teach in computer subject for grade 6, so it is in my concentration area. In other words, it focuses in computer's affects of using it on our health once we are using it without taking care of the proper setting and other issues that ergonomic science has addresses. It has all of the main five parts that every WebQuest should have, which are introduction, tasks, process, evaluation and conclusion. It has a simple language that is understandable, if I use it as an example for my students. It has an interesting scenario that attracts and encourages students to learn. The tasks and process are clear. It has a simple design that it is easy to browse for my students. It addresses the IT skills that students should show and practice thru producing Brochure at the end. It contains resources that has been used in building it which makes another reason to choose it because it shows the respect of intellectual property rights that I have taught my students several times. It has a detailed rubric for evaluation which is good to have in WebQuest.

2- History of Computers WebQuest

http://htschool.alexssa.net/webquest/html/default.htm

I have chosen this WebQuest because it is about History of Computer. This topic explains one of the lessons in computer subject for middle school, so it is in my curriculum area. It focuses in computer history and how it has been developed in the last century. It has all of the main five parts that every WebQuest should have, which are introduction, tasks, process, evaluation and conclusion. It has a simple language that is understandable. It has an interesting scenario in the introduction that attracts and encourages students to learn. The tasks and process are clear and within pictures which makes it enjoyable. It has a simple design that it is easy to navigate. It addresses the IT skills that students should show and practice thru producing HyperStudio thru using PowerPoint presentation at the end. It has a detailed rubric for evaluation I liked it very much because it assesses every step.

3- Web Design WebQuest

http://imet.csus.edu/imet2/wheelerc/webquests/index.htm

I have chosen this WebQuest because it is in concentration area of my subject. It is about Web Design which is one of the computer units for grade 9. It focuses in building website skills. It has all of the main five parts that every WebQuest should have, which are introduction, tasks, process, evaluation and conclusion. It has a simple language that is understandable. It has a good scenario in the introduction that encourages students to learn. The tasks and process are clear. It has a simple design that makes it easy to navigate. It addresses the IT skills that students should show and practice thru producing website. It has a detailed rubric for evaluation of the work.

Benefits & Limitations of Blogs in Classroom

Blogs are a method of communication in the Internet nowadays. It is what some teachers are using in their classrooms instead of traditional ways like journals and dairies. It is also the way many students prefer to write what they want and share with others. What makes blogs beneficial is the informality in writing in it and sharing it with others. It breaks the routine and encourages students to participate since it is a comfortable environment. This way of communication suits some students who are shy of sharing opinions in classroom and it gives them a chance to get over their shyness. Additionally, blogs save time of the classroom. Using blogs is also a ways to know about the students’ interest, which will help teachers when they plan their lessons. It gives the students the opportunity of learning about some IT skills, which may help them in the future. There is no specific subject or area to use blogs; so all curricula can use it. Blogs can help teacher in some terms of classroom managent like positive classroom climate and less classroom disturbance because students will be engaged in learning. Blogs are a good example for student learning centered style.

However, using blogs have some limitations. To illustrate more, social interaction will be less when we are using blogs more than face-to-face conversations or discussions. It may cause some difficulties in knowing how to talk with people in reality without the blog. There is a chance that using blogs may cause some extra burdens on parents who cannot offer having Internet at home. Using blogs may not suite some students who have poor IT skills and it may not be fair for them. It also may not suit their learning style. When some students have medical excuses for not using computer, using blogs will be an issue for them. Thus, blog is a coin with to faces and each one of these faces should be considered to have an effective learning environment. It is an interesting way to apply it in classes, but we need to consider the consequences and try to balance in addition to be fair to our students.

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