Sunday, May 16, 2010

Computer-Based Instructional Objects

There are a few additional things that need to be taken into consideration when having students work independently on some computer-based instructional objects (CBIOs). The main thing is you have to taken into consideration the students' comfort level with the technology you are using. Many students are pretty tech-savvy, but how many really know how to navigate through a PowerPoint presentation when their options are limited in navigation? Many students can fly through web pages with ease, but how many really know how to USEFULLY search the internet for information. I think these are big things to take into consideration because we can never assume (because we all know what assuming does...) that our students know how to use the technology just because they are a 21st century learner. If you are using the internet, it is also a good idea to make sure that none of the links you provided students can be browsed through to get to any inappropriate material.

As for some WebQuests, I found this one involving math in video/board games, as well as thh entertainment industry that I thought would really grab students attention. Not to mention, it answers the age old question, "When are we ever going to need this?" I think it really makes the students realize how important their math skills really are in the world. That and it also gives them a chance to put their knowledge to work by playing a few math games at the end.
The URL is http://questgarden.com/102/36/1/100426171111/index.htm.

Another WebQuest I liked was this particular one because it has a good idea behind getting students prepared for the ACT. With more and more of teaching being data driven and a lot of that data is based off ACT scores, I think this WebQuest does a lot to help students prepare without overloading them on a single topic. It allows students to focus on a single idea, then has the rest of the students "teach" each other the topics which they did not research.
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2 comments:

  1. Alan BobalikMay 16, 2010 at 9:59 PM

    Great post Don. Your point about students being comfortable with technology was dead on. Too often we just assume that all students can organize their hard drive or put together a PowerPoint but that is not always the case.

    The webquests you have found really seem to fit the needs of the students as well as give them a nice change of pace to daily instruction. You really seem to be in tune with the needs of your students

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  2. Jen CottrillMay 17, 2010 at 6:16 PM

    Don - you are so right about being comfortable with technology. I can't believe sometimes that my students don't know how to use the basic features of Word, let alone PowerPoint!! I love your WebQuests, as I am always being asked that same question of "When are we ever going to use this?". The ACT WebQuest really seems to have a lot of depth to it. Thanks!!

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