Web Enrichment Activities (Chapter 2)

1. Learning theory in technology-integrated lessons — Identify the learning theory addressed in a WebQuest. Locate a WebQuest at http://webquest.org/. Click on "Top," "Middling," or "New" and then view a WebQuest for a selected grade level and subject area. As you read the instructions and materials included in the WebQuest, make a list of five aspects of the WebQuest that are informed or supported by learning theory. Refer to Figures 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, and 2.6 in the textbook.

Answer: WebQuests seem to fall into the learning theory known as Systems Theory and Systematic Instructional Design. This theory states that learning occurs by using a system of instruction based on behaviorist, information-processing, and cognitive-behaviorist theories. Generally there are stated goals and objectives that going along with the task to asist with the learning process. The system approach fits with the WebQuests in many ways. The following is a list of five aspects of the WebQuest that are supported by the Systems Theory: Structured Instruction, Sequence of Information, Practice or Task, Assessment or Evaluation, and the Information is Fast and Accurate.

2. Assessment of learning with rubrics — To see an example of rubrics developed for a student project, read about Mrs. Gaines' language arts lesson at http://ali.apple.com/ali_sites/hpli/Exhibits/1000734. Click on "The Lesson" to read the instructions to students, and click on "Assessment" to see the rubrics used by the students. Visit the Rubistar website at http://rubistar.4teachers.org/index.php for templates used by teachers to create custom rubrics. Refer to Figure 2.7 in the textbook and discuss the model that best applies to Mrs. Gaines' lesson and assessment. List three reasons for selecting that model.

Answer: Mrs. Gaines' language arts lesson was definitely an example of Constructivist Model. She took a common traditional story Beowulf and put a twist on her lesson by making her students turn it into a rap which is an extreme non-traditional type of lesson. Also at the beginning of her lesson, Mrs. Gaines made sure to review over the basic elements of Beowulf to make sure that the students understood the story correctly. Lastly by having the students make Beowulf into a rap, there is a great chance that the students will remember the events of the story more easily. All of these examples provide reasons as to why Mrs. Gaines lesson is an example of Constructivist Model.

3. Information literacy — The American Association of School Librarians and the Association for Educational Communications and Technology have published the "Information Literacy Standards for Student Learning" located at http://www.ala.org/ala/aasl/aaslproftools/informationpower/InformationLiteracyStandards_final.pdf. Read the standards and indicators. Consider one standard and indicator, and think of an additional strategy that could be added to Figure 2.12 of the textbook to help students achieve the standard.

Answer: Standard 3: The student who is information literate uses information accurately and creatively. Indicator 1. Organizes information for practical application Indicator 2. Integrates new information into one’s own knowledge Indicator 3. Applies information in critical thinking and problem solving Indicator 4. Produces and communicates information and ideas in appropriate formats In order to allow students the opportunity to show their creativity, teachers should encourage doing research projects. Student should go and find the accurate information about their topic. Instead of having the students just write a traditional research paper, allow the students freedom. Let them show, you, the teacher what they are capable of. Allow them to have access to a variety of multimedia products to show off their creativity with. A problem with this would be the lack of the school limits on how much technology the students have access too. Also some students do not have as much creativity as others which could potentially present issues with grading and other aspects.