In a way, I was quite surprised in reading the Michigan Merit Curriculum Online Experience Guideline Companion Document and finding out that the requirement for an online learning experience will go into effect in the next school year. On the other hand, this guideline is a logical step given the number of opportunities for online learning that already exist in higher educational settings.
As I read through the document, I was impressed by the number of different resources that were included that qualified as online experiences. Some of the experiences that I feel could be effectively utilized in an elementary classroom are as follows:
WebQuests:
Having created a WebQuest and reflecting on its value, I can see that they have the potential to be an incredibly powerful tool for online learning. What's particularly valuable to me is the fact that the basics of a WebQuest are foundational to effective learning in any classroom, and so the technological aspect in a WebQuest can be shaped to fit with many other resources. For instance, the same WebQuest design was being used 15 or so years ago, but Web 2.0 had not yet been discovered. But now the Web 2.0 technology has the potential to be incorporated in a WebQuest to add even more substance. Because of the usefulness and flexibility of a WebQuest, along with the effectiveness of its design, I definitely intend on implementing the use of a WebQuest in my classroom.
Blogs:
Because I greatly value the importance of the learning process and its reflective nature, a blog is very appealing to me as an educator. I intend on using blogs for a variety of activities.
RSS Readers:
I think that RSS Readers have the potential to be a useful tool for students for organization of blogs, as well as podcasts and other pages that they might frequently explore (such as NASA's website).
Discussion forums:
Discussion forums are often used in an online learning environment. I definitely think that they can be used appropriately in an elementary setting to respond to others' ideas or to share resources. They can learn the importance of forums and how to use them so that they will be used to them by the time they engage in other online learning settings down the road.
The difficulty in using some of this technology will primarily depend upon the grade level of the students, as well as the resources available in a school district. Obviously, having 2nd graders create and maintain an RSS Reader might be unrealistic and unnecessary. Because I don't have my classroom yet, I'm not sure what would be most appropriate for my specific use at this time.
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I agree that a WebQuest is a powerful online learning tool. You make a good point about them being around for a long time...like you commented in my blog, sometimes people generalize them as old technology which is surprising. In a way, they were innovative 15 years ago and now they are just one of many tools available in Web 2.0. Good points! I think your point about not knowing until you have a class is so important. I think my 3rd graders from last year could have handled tracking an RSS reader but this year it would not have been a useful tool for them. It is amazing how one group of simlar age kids can change from year to year!
ReplyDeleteFunny what you mention about RSS readers. I find them very hard to use personally (information overload) so I would not feel that it's something I would use in the class. However, if I could find feeds that were very specific to our topic, then I'd find it useful. I agree with the other items however....loving the webquest you did!
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