When you use computer based instructional objects it is important that you make sure that links to other sites are still working. If you want students to explore a website that is no longer working or is under construction it could throw off the entire project. It is very important that you check each time before using your computer based instructional object. It is also important to make sure that they do not have any glitches, flaws, or broken links. This could make it a very frustrating learning experience for the students. Another consideration that teachers must make is monitoring where students are exploring on the computer. They must be able to keep a students interests peeked so they are not seeking entertainment elsewhere. And as always there can always be problems with the computers. This seems to often be my problem in the computer lab. I spend a lot of my time fixing broken mouses, keyboards, and connections then I do answering relevant content based questions. It also slows down the work of the unfortunate students using the "misbehaving" computers.
This WebQuest has student research VanGogh. They split into four groups and are given different jobs. They are prompted with questions and places to do their research. Then the groups present their information to the class.
This WebQuest has students research Greek Sculpture . It helps student gain an appreciation for the process which archaeologists and artists go through to produce models of what they think lost or damaged ancient works of art looked like.There are many choices based on extensive research that must be made in restoring or re-creating ancient work. After completing this WebQuest students should have more appreciation for the work of art historians.
In this WebQuest students enjoy research crazy art movements. They research the dada movement and have a lot of fun along the way. I think this WebQuest is a fun learning tool that really grabs students attention.
You have mentioned some very real and frustrating concerns. It always amazes me as to how much time is spent trouble shooting hardware problems and "lost" web sites. Students have a difficult time remembering Internet addresses or have a difficult time spelling words for a Google search. At least the last two glitches can be remedied through a well designed WebQuest - where resources are already on hand and available to the student. Great sites - I enjoyed visiting each of them.
ReplyDeleteHi Addy this is just a test to see if your blog will post a comment from another. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHi Addy! You made some excellent points! We often over-look the technical aspects of things and assume it all works. As teachers, we need to make sure we work out all of the little kinks before presenting things to our students to avoid frustrations that are often irrelevant to the task at hand.
ReplyDeleteAddy, it is sad how much time we teachers can spending fixing and problem-shooting computer problems :(
ReplyDeleteYou are right about the need to keep students' interest peaked by the assignment. And, yes, we need to go through the time-consuming processes of checking all of the links to a webquest.
I really liked the Absurdity webquest that you found. That one for sure would peak your students' interest and natural curiosity!