Computer Based Instructional Objects
Much like writing code for a computer program, when creating a computer based instructional object, the author must anticipate many different scenarios. A plan has to be in place with a goal in mind and all of the "what ifs" addressed. I can imagine that several iterations are needed to eventually get to the final product. Also, the author needs to think about which pedogogical strategies will be used and whether or not any students have disabilities.
Here are three WebQuests I found to be very good.
1. Constructing Your Own Geometry and Algebra Based Objects by Daniel Keeler - I like this one because it addresses a lot of the basics of Geometry using a website called GeoGebra which looks like a lesser (and free-er!) version of The Geometer's Sketchpad. The author used a lot of scaffolding with a few links to basic definitions and examples.
2. We Hold These Truths to Be (Evident) by Charell Wingfield - This is a long term Webquest that seems to do a good job with the difficult task of proofs in geometry. Teamwork is required and the main strategy is inductive.
3. What Price Will You Pay to Go the Distance? by Tracey Betschart and Elizabeth Kuniak - This incorporates the use of triangles and bearings in determining the most cost effective travel plans. I really like the relevance of the topic. The strategies used are scaffolding and deductive.
3 Comments:
Dave, I like that you say it's important to consider the "what ifs" when using a WebQuest - that's the best way to put it. I think that's what makes a teachers job so difficult too, we need to always anticipate where one of our 120 students may get confused or struggle too much that they can't learn anything.
Also, I'm not listed as one of your contributors on your blog - I don't know if perhaps it didn't go through. Will you try adding me again so that it works - thanks!
Dave
Thanks for the WebQuests you posted! I checked them out and they seem to be ones that I also would use in my classroom at some point. I like how you related making a computer based instructional object to making a computer program. I could not agree more about teachers needing to anticipate different scenarios. This is half the battle with using the Internet and other technology in the classroom. The more a teacher anticipates the smoother the lesson will run and the fewer problems kids will run into. Thanks for sharing.
Dave,
You're right that several "what-ifs" need to be addressed in advance. In a typical classroom setting most good teachers can address some of these topics on the spot as they come up, but with computer based instructional resources, a lot of planning is needed to address these ahead of time. I also like that you mentioned taking into account disabilities students may have. Thanks for the WebQuests, especially the one on proofs!
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