Resource Wikis

The group project on the resource wiki was very interesting! At first I was indifferent about the assignment, but ended up really enjoying surfing the web for useful resources. The one thing I kept in mind as I was searching was if these were websites that would be applicable to my own classroom. I decided to research a few topics outside my comfort zone and knowledge base such as math and art. I did this because these sites could really help me where I lack creativity and ideas. This assignment finally gave me a comfort level toward technology, and allowed me to feel like I was capable of finding really interesting, helpful, anf fun websites to enhance learning in my classroom.
 My one dislike was the need to rely on other group members to pull their weight, which is always the case with group work. I really have enjoyed the finished project, and exploring everyones contributions, that very well may be helpful further on in my teaching career. I can possibly see myself using this onlien resource inmy classroom, yet it would depend on the grade. If I were placed in a lower elementary classroom, I might not utilize this resource as much simply because it might be difficult to teach a bunch of kids so new to learning.

Wiki Reflection

After looking through lots of different wikis, I finally settled on one I liked it. It is the second grade class under the teacher Mrs. Ibrahim's. They are located in Southern California. Mrs. Ibrahim's class wiki page is located at http://mrsibrahim.wikispaces.com/ The first thing that caught my attention was the visual appeal and the larger font. It was created with a keen awareness of the audience. Next I really liked the set up of the contents. She lists all the subjects as well as other activities and information pages. Going further into these pages are vocabularly lists that are filled out gradually throughout the semester. The wiki also makes it user friendly for parents to view what their students have been doing. There are assignments on file that allow parents to instantly access assignments. Another thing that really stuck out to me was the "about me" page for each student, already teaching them how to use technology in a unique way. Since language arts is such a huge focus in schools, especially with CommonCore, typing in online wikis helps to address that.

A couple of things missing on the wiki I would have liked to see was upcoming events (calendar) and a supplies list. I believe adding these would have really given all the information needed within the click of a mouse. It also is environmentally friendly by saving paper on weekly reminders for upcoming school events.

Inquiry Based Activity

            Creating an inquiry based  activity was a very new and fascinating experience for me. I would have to say it has been by favorite activity in TPTE 486 thus far. The best part was researching the websites and activities I felt would most effectively teach about my topic, biomes. I picked fifth grade because I knew I could pick a more advanced subject matter that explored the world at large. Through the video clip and powerpoint I tried to give them both a visual and reading option to appeal to different kinds of learners. The review game at the end was a fun way to re-emphasize what they should have learned through the activity. I also added critical questions because I knew they are beneficial to stretch students minds passed the obvious.

           This activity helped me as a student learn how to be a teacher. I learned how I need to apply Tennessee standards to whatever activity I have in mind in order to prepare them according to Tennessee requirements. I think inquiry based activites are a good but unconventional way to supply your students with the materials they need to get but without lecturing them. It is something I can see myself employing within my own classroom. I think if I futuristically used an inquiry based activity I would add more color and pictures if possible. One thing I thought was difficult about using the activity was alignment. It proved to be tricky to align sentences exactly how I wanted, so had to actually settle for a different plan. Overall, I would want to create an inquiry based assignment again.

WebQuests

 

"Tell me and I forget, show me and I remember, involve me and I understand" (John Gay). This quote is a good indicator of why Webquests are effective. This week in TPTE class was exciting because I learned about something completely new to me and I found it intriguing! Webquests are inquiry-based tools created with the intent that learners gain their information from the internet. The word inquiry simplified means seeking information or knowledge. So, these lessons work by teachers creating lessons online through a Webquest, and students gain access to complete them by receiving their information through the web. Four specific things to ensure on your own Webquest as a teaching professional are the following: promotion of teamwork, accurate uses of  technology, promotion of high-order thinking, and lesson efficiency.

Upon viewing all kinds of Webquests,  I was excited to gain a new tool for my classroom. It seems as simple to make as a powerpoint, yet is able to specifically provide directions. One thing that stood out to me was the focus on group work. I highly value group work and believe it creates moments where character education can turn in teachable moments such as teaching the responsibility each student has as a member of a group. I also like that as a teacher, I have the option to be creative or really simple and instructive when creating my own Webquests. Because I am a History major, I really enjoy social studies content so I looked through various lessons provided and was intrigued by the array of different ideas. I only worry about using these inquiry-based lessons if I am placed at a Title 1 school with kids who might not necessarily have easy access to the web. Overall, I really like Webquests and think they could be a creative and nontraditional new way to teach a lesson.

Website Evaluation

Evaluating websites is not a completely new phenomenon to me, yet there are still many things I discovered through this activity. I understand the reliability factor. I knew I must locate an author or authors and their profession and experience. By identifying these traits I am able to deduce bias and subjective opinions often hidden in text. There were many new and enlightening things the activity asked me to evaluate. I then learned the importance of assessing a site in the right manner so that my students would have useful information and the ability to navigate a website with ease.
 

 

One thing I instantly learned was important was whether the website required additional software such as Flashplayer. This was important to me, because on my own personal four year old laptop, I cannot use certain softwares that allow animation and video. This is useful to spot when assigning homework online. I also learned organization and manuverability is extremely important, especially for computer novices. If items are cluttered and not consistent throughout the site, exploration can be difficult and not to mention, frustrating. It is important to make sure wording and font are clear and readable, especially for users that may have sight difficulties. The same thing goes for games or activities that require sound. In order to expect visitors to come back, audio must be in good working order with no interruptions, especially for students or adult who lack the capacity to hear well. So, overall I learned a great deal of how to properly assess whether a website is useful, organized, and accurate!

Wikis

Now that I have learned first what wikis are, and secondly what they can do, I now see the posible uses for them in a classroom setting. After researching, I have found many ways that would be useful to me, and that I might want to try out in my class.

1. Using a wiki to solve math problems/equations
This space could be used to ask peers hw questions since students often get stuck on math problems and find themselves using google. I could drop hints if I see an equation causing big issues.

2. Study Guide/Review
This space could be used for students to share their thoughts, ideas, and notes about test materials. They could study together essentially to help each other do their best.

3. FAQ
I like the idea of having a wiki for questions to me, about class, or about life. This could be our own communication without e-mail, and could be useful for future classes.

4. Class Calendar
This could be used as a reminder of weekly or monthly activities going on at school and in the class for those who are not adept at keeping planners. I would also encourage students to add their own events, making a personable environment.

5. Reader/Teacher Guide
I would ask students for feedback on this page. I would want to know their favorite readings, faavorite activities, and favorite projects. In a way, this would evaluate me and help me build on my weaknesses or the things I missed.
       
Just as was mentioned in class, with assigning wikis, I would need to ensure that instructions would be very clear and structured. Most of these ideas I had in mind for a fifth grade classroom. I believe at this age they would have definitely been exposed to a computer and would most likely know how to access the Internet without difficulty.