All of these instructional tools allow for children to utilize the internet to build literacy skills and complete class projects. They all utilize elements of the internet to search for information, specific or broad. However, the use of these tools varies and enhances more specific skills. Internet workshop is a individual or group student project that provides students with an activity to complete based off information found on the web so it is guided. Webquest is similar to internet workshop in that it is guided, but it features lessons that are created by other teachers and shared over the web, and the activities are guided by the specific "quest". On the other hand, Internet Projects are collaborative experiences that bring classrooms in different areas together, such as tracking a bird migration across the country. The most independent tool is also the one that requires the most critical thinking: Internet inquiry, which is not guided by the teacher, rather the student provides the question and researches it independently. This allows for students to use their higher order thinking skills about what is important to them and choice is the best way to get students involved in what they are learning. It is also an essential skill for students to master not just being able to find the answers, but to know what questions to ask.
Contrastly, Webquest differs the most from the others in that the outcome is less open for interpretation by the student. There is less high order thinking going on in that the work has already been done: the student does not have as much opportunity to interact with the material as there is an intended expectation of material learned.
Though they all offer different experiences, they all have the benefit of strengthening research skills and computer literacy. The great thing about the internet is that it is always changing, a true reflection of the ever-changing world we live in. Just as our brains have to assimilate and accommodate new information to fit our conceptual framework, the internet is always shifting and rearranging. Everyday, we as people interact with our environment and incorporate aspects of our experiences into our schema while the internet similarly is a reflection of the environment/our world.
Incorporating technology and internet use into classrooms is important not just for the student's awareness and educational growth, but it teaches them to be saavy in sorting through information for the big picture. This is the goal: to understand the big idea and to apply it and synthesize it in class and life. As Schrum and Levin acknowledge, technology skills are only the tip of the iceberg when dealing with 21st century learning. We need students to be more adept at life skills and innovativeness (2009).
Unfortunately, I am not confirmed in a student placement and have been unable to talk to any teachers at the potential placement so I will not know what, if any, technology will be integrated into the special education program. Speaking generally, I would like to get kids clued in to how the internet can be used for learning purposes and in class and not just for social purposes. For example, if a student is struggling with Shakespeare in English because of their low reading comprehension skills, I could have them develop an internet inquiry regarding Shakespeare to get them interested and find different ways Shakespeare is interpreted online. They may find videos of it acted out (traditionally or with different spins) and hopefully become more knowledgable about what Shakespearean language means and what is intended. They would be the director of their search online and thus be more interested and motivated to learn because that is how choice affects the learning process. I also found quite a bit of Webquests, designed to understand Shakespeare's life and also a lot of his popular works (Johnson and Lamb 2002).
Lamb, A. & Johnson, L. (2002). The Topic: William Shakespeare. Retrieved June 12, 2011. http://42explore.com/shakspear.htm
Schrum, L. & Levin, B. B. (2009). Leading 21st Century Schools: Harnassing Technology for Engagement and Achievement. Thousand Oaks, California: Corwin Press.
The Internet Workshop can be an individual project - but can also be completed with a partner or small groups...
ReplyDeleteYour post sounds more like a description of each of the models - rather than a comparison/contrast - identifying specific similar and different features.
Also, I do see two things missing - each week you are required to make a specific connection to a practical application in your classroom. For example - how could you see yourself using an Internet Workshop in your future classroom.
Second - I do not see an APA citation and reference. You have to attempt to include at least one in every post.