I am going to create a Webquest for my CIP. I basically choose to do a Webquest because it is forcing me into learning how to create one. I’ve created many units and lesson plans and have integrated using technology in them many times but I have never attempted anything like creating a Webquest and I really want to push myself in trying new things. I am currently having my students use a Webquest I found online to wrap up our science unit and to see if Webquest work with my students. They are really enjoying it so far and I am learning how much time they need to complete tasks and how much time they waste playing around on the website links they follow. The Webquest I am working on is a ‘Case Study of Columbus’. The kids will use both online and book resources to learn about Columbus and the impact he had on exploration. I have a true or false quiz with my lesson stuff that is great for before and after Columbus lessons that I would love to turn into an online quiz through my online grade book program Engrade. Engrade includes a bunch of cool tools like quizzes and flashcards that I see and think I try out but I never make time for them. I am hoping that through this project I will try some of these things out and see that they are not so scary and I should just use them.
I have the majority of the resources for my kids to use through the Webquest figured out. There are several nice websites with kid friendly information on Columbus that I used in my Resource Summary. There are also a couple books in my classroom I want them to use as well. What I need to do it figure out the online quiz for before and after and a fun idea for my introduction. The Webquest my kids are doing right now has them acting as TV reporters and they have to make a newscast. I’m kind of thinking about a super sleuth theme for this one. Make them detectives.
One of the things I worry about most with this class is that I will not use all the things I have learned. I can’t believe all the great tools I have learned about in this class. I don’t want to fall back into old habits of teaching and not use any of the technology have learned how to integrate into my teaching. I have already tried some things out as I have learned them and seen what works and what doesn’t and I am hoping that this project will reinforce this habit. I am trying to integrate several of the things I have learned into my Webquest. I was important to me when starting planning this project to create it on a topic I am teaching this year. That is why I choose Columbus. I should be teaching Columbus lesson at the end of the unit I am teaching in Social studies right now. I am really working on updating my teaching practices to include a better integration of technology that enhances my teaching and lessons and isn’t just adding bells and whistles.
What you've detailed is perfect. I hope it works out for you. I have concerns about overload just like you mention. I hope the break gives you some time to sit back and reflect on things and prioritize. Some things we discussed are more effective for older students and some are better for younger students, obviously. Even if you just focused on making a few webuests a year then you could potentially greatly enhance the way you use technology in your classroom. Good luck.
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