WeB qUEsT

Today, we got the opportunity to explore a great website entitled WebQuest. This site, or rather, model of learning was created in 1995 by Bernie Dodge. The philosophy of WebQuest is to provide an interactive learning experience for children that is inquiry based, with information obtained on the web. I found this very exciting. The children are able to explore and learn about things, that they would have otherwise been limited from. 

I was able to experience a WebQuest lesson first hand. I participated in a third grade lesson titled "The Show Must Go On." This lesson gives children a unique chance to fill an adult role, and recruit missing orchestra members for a last minute performance of "Peter and the Wolf." It was way entertaining, even for me, a 20 year old adult. 

I would absolutely use this learning method in my future classroom. Especially because a lot of times computer time is wasted in classroom, on meaningless games. I believe this will give my future students a fun and meaningful way to fill computer time. Because of the wide variety of activities, I feel that my students will find something to interest them. 

WeB sItE EvALuaTIon

Today in class we got the opportunity to become experts on websites and evaluate them. We used 4 different forms. My favorite form was created by Kathleen Schrock. Her form was very easy to understand and easy to use. My least favorite form was created by Terri Snethen. I thought that the link finder on ALTAVISTA, was pleasing, but the rest of the form was hard to use. It didn't ever even ask what the title of the website was! 

I wish that I had found some sort of "SECRET" about the websites using the form, but I didn't! They all seemed to be pretty legitimate and educational. However, I feel by using a form to evaluate these sites you can discover any hidden problems and ascertain the validity of websites.

I plan on using these forms in my future classroom. If I am going to use any website in my classroom, I have to make sure that the SAFETY of my students is my number one concern. Chances are, if they use it at school they will want to try it at home. Because of this, I will need to check the sites to make CERTAIN, that my students are accessing safe websites. I feel that this will make for a HAPPY teacher, students and parents! 

ExCel ANd SuRveY FuN!

Today we had the OPPORTUNITY to learn about MICROSOFT EXCEL. I had used Excel before, but had  never used it to the extent that we were able to use it today. I never took the basic computer class during College, instead I opted out of it and took a test. I remember STRUGGLING really badly during the Excel portion. I could not figure out for the life of me how to work the equation deal. Today I learned that it was really easy! As long as you start the equation with an equal sign, it is pretty STRAIGHTFORWARD!  I am really happy to have this new information! I am excited to put this into practice. I believe that this will be incredibly helpful and time saving for my future grade books! 

Today, we also learned how to do something really NEAT! We got to create surveys on G-MAIL. I have never done this before! It was so FUN! I loved it! I am way excited to put this to use in my classroom. I feel that it is a great way to get parents, and students involved. I am planning on using this to ask my students/parents opinions about assignments, as well as getting feedback about my teaching style. This is a great tool, and I am really EXCITED to utilize it in my future practicums and classrooms. 

P.S.- If anyone wants to check out my SUPER COOL survey here is the link:

SURVEY!