Estee

What are some things that you have learned about effective teaching strategies when integrating technology?

When integrating technology it is important to utilize a variety of teaching strategies—as each student learns differently.  When implementing a new technology, such as blogging (TechQuest), being a sage-on-stage initially is important as students need much guidance when participating in a new educational learning activity. Once students comprehend the new technology, one can become a guide on the side, allowing students to facilitate their own learning. As a guide on the side, I have learned how intelligent my students are—either that or I was amazing at being a sage-on-stage giving them quality specific directions.  Students enjoy learning with their friends, void of direct instructional teaching. 

How did integrating web-based technologies help you think about and evaluate uses of technology

Integrating web-based technologies helped me realize a general rule of thumb—what might seem simple can become complex.  Blogging is generally a simple concept, however each site varies when it comes to the signing up process.  After evaluation of implementation, I have realized a great deal about how beneficial blogging is in my health classroom.  However, when evaluating the blogging site, I realized there can be some glitches in the technology itself.  Integrating web-based technologies helped me to understand that one needs to research a great deal prior to implantation.  Lastly, when creating and evaluating a podcast, I learned how easy it can be to record my voice.  With respect to podcasting, I think it would be an awesome technology to bring to my domain. Maybe even post podcasts to my website? I will continue to research various ways in which I might implement podcasts into my teaching.  Both technologies can be used to improve student learning in a productive manner.

How have you met your own personal goals for learning about technology integration?

Thus far I am impressed with my technology integration.  Prior to this course, I have learned how to create a StAIR, WebQuest, and a Website – and implemented them.  During this course I have learned a great deal about integrating blogging and creating a podcast.  I feel that my goal to integrate technology into my pedagogy in order to enhance and motivate students has been very positive.  I hope to learn more technologies to implement during the continuation of the MAET program.

 Do you have any new goals? What are your plans for reaching your new goals and your long-term goals after this course is over?

Over the next year, I hope to learn about more Web 2.0 technologies to incorporate into my teaching practice.  I will be continuing MAET courses – taking 3 this summer, 1 in fall, and then finishing the last course next summer.  Through these courses, I am sure I will learn a great deal about how to implement more motivating technologies to improve student learning – as well as improve my knowledge base. I also plan to attend conferences and professional development to enhance my pedagogy.

• How would you approach another project of this type differently given what you’ve learned here?

Given what I have learned I might approach another project differently by using a different blogging site.  Blogspot.com is a quality blogging site, however there were some glitches to the site that would have caused my students a number of problems had I not guided them through the process of signing up for the site.  I researched various blogging sites, however chose to go with blogspot as other teachers in my building use the same site.  I wanted to use the same web blog site so students had consistency. 

Next year I will use a different blogging site with a less intricate signing up process.  This was the only frustration for my students.  Although I helped them every step of the way it was still a difficult process. 

In order to ensure students have an easy time signing up for my health blogging site, I will have a few students stay after school, to sign up, once the site is unblocked by the district.  This will alleviate any frustrated students and myself.  This time I had a student try to sign up at home, and she had many frustrations.

• What are the lessons learned that others might benefit from knowing about?

One might have a reliable student try signing up for the blog on her own at home to see if there are any unexpected problems. This will help you iron out any problems before assigning the blog.  As mentioned above, next time I implement a new blogging site, I will have a few students stay after school to sign up for the site. 

As a teacher implementing blogging for the first time, I would suggest walking students through the process in class.  After having one stellar student try blogging on her own the night before (as a test run), she had a problem arise that I was able to fix while guiding all students in class.   

Students are your best teacher when it comes to bumps in the road while blogging – they might have an answer to your question

Blogging is beneficial for all high school students- keeping them motivated and engaged in learning

Special Education students strive when it comes to blogging in class. 

When blogging in class, students are void of off task behavior and work very diligently in completing the blog

Students do not view blogging as “writing a paper” and therefore the negative connotation of a paper turns positive when it is termed “blogging.”

• In what ways will you endeavor to do the same project again, and what will you change or not do?

In order to help them sign up for my blogging site, I would give them a step-by- step instructions with screenshots.  Since this was the first time I have implemented blogging in my domain, it was a learning experience for me.  I now have a better idea of how this site works and what to do next time as well as what not to do.

I would find out if there is an option under the site administration settings to create a threaded discussion.  On the site that I created for Lakeland Health Education, I have set it up where students can comment to my blog posting, but not to one another.  I did not know how to set this up using blogspot.  In order to create a dialogue between my students and myself, I need to research the site settings.

In order to improve their grammar and punctuation, I will have students type out their response in Microsoft Word first.  Students can check for grammar and spelling errors before posting to the blog. I will also post clear criteria for blog postings on the site.

To hear a podcast of blogging implementation in Health Education please click here

Third Blog Post from Session 2 ~ Internet Research

Use the Internet as a resource in the planning of your project. Information you may try to find includes:

·      Others who have attempted projects similar to what you have proposed

1. http://mscofino.edublogs.org/2008/01/27/learning-to-blog-the-elementary-way/

Kim Cofino, a Literacy Specialist at the International School Bangkok in Thailand, introduced blogging to her elementary aged students.  In her blog, she describes how she went about implementation.

I really enjoyed reading her post. Kim introduced blogging in her first lesson by having students read the ABC’s of Blogging book in small groups or partners (http://www2.gsu.edu/~coeapd/abc/index.html).  I visited the site and it is an AWESOME introduction.

On Kim’s blog was a blogging permission slip.  This permission is well written and specific.  It not only gives student permission to blog, but also holds students accountable.

http://mscofino.edublogs.org/files/2008/02/bloggingpermissionslip.pdf

Reflection:

I would adapt her style to my classroom, however the ABCs of blogging book is too elementary for my high school students. Instead of having them read the book in small groups – I would have a discussion on blogging etiquette as well as what is expected. I am not sure if I need a permission slip for student blogging (something I will have to double check with administration) however, if necessary I would definitely use the blogging permission slip as a template.   Her students used www.learnerblogs.org .  To my surprise, learnerblogs.org is another link for edublogs.  Similarly I found that blogspot.com is the same as blogger.com.

2.    http://mrkaysamericanlit.blogspot.com

Reflection:

Mr. Kay is an English Teacher at Lakeland High School (The school that I currently teach Health and PE courses), and has students blog on a daily basis. Writing across the curriculum has been a main focus in our building this school year.  Through speaking to Marc Kay, he has said his student’s writing has improved drastically since the pilot of blogging in his classroom.  When I asked him about blogging across the curriculum, he said that he wants other teachers to get “on board” with blogging.  He was excited that I am interested in incorporating such an innovative tool to improve student writing.

As I looked through his website, I am eager to ask him more about how to go about posting and having students leave comments.  I am more of a visual learner, and benefit from a face-to-face tutorial.  I liked how he has his students write their first and last name along with the hour after each post.  I would like to implement that as well.

 *Today I contacted my media specialist and she sent in the web blog link http://lakelandhealtheducation.blogspot.com to be unblocked so that students can access it at school.  Once it is unblocked I am going to post my first question to be answered by my students.  Good thing I asked her today because she responded by saying, “OK, I submitted the request, but there has to be a vote before the district web manager can open the site.  Normally there is a delay of several days but hopefully it will not take that long. “

·      Resources that may help guide your project

·      Resources that may help in the implementation of your project

Teacher Tools and Resources:

1. http://beyondpenguins.nsdl.org/issue/column.php?date=August2008&departmentid=professional&columnid=professional!technology

This website offers a tool to integrate blogging into the classroom.  It comes from an online magazine for k-5 teachers, however all grade level teachers can use this site as an informational resource.  This content comes specifically from, WATER, ICE, AND SNOW – ISSUE 5, AUGUST 2008 and describes how to maximize the potential of technology into one’s pedagogy as well as how to integrate technology into instruction.  

Areas of focus:

• what is a blog?
• why do teachers blog?
• getting your students blogging
• getting started
•  free blogging services

www.epals.com
www.edublogs.org

www.blogger.com
(Blogging site that is a part of google)

• resources

2.    http://edublogs.org/10-ways-to-use-your-edublog-to-teach/

Edublogs is one of the many free blogging sites offered among Web 2.0 technologies.  This site describes 10 ways in which to implement blogging in the classroom.

www.http:/edublogs.org is an optional blogging site to use in the k-12 classroom. 

3.    http://blogsforlearning.msu.edu/

This site is listed under resources in the aforementioned article, WATER, ICE, AND SNOW – ISSUE 5, AUGUST 2008.  Through searching through various links on this site, I was provided with information and resources about the technical and pedagogical aspects of blogging in the classroom. This site is geared toward college level blogging, however one can apply information to the k-12 classroom.  I even came across a blog by Leigh Graves Wolf.  You should check it out

4.    http://www.slideshare.net/dannynic/blogging-in-schools-presentation

This site offers a Quick Guide to Blogging slideshow. 

·      What is a blog

·      What do I need?

·      Why blog?

·      Blogging for teachers

·      Blogging with students

·      Newsletters

·      School trips

·      Internet safety

5.    http://www.teacherlibrarian.com/tltoolkit/info_tech/info_tech_32_3.html

Information on Educational Blogging is expressed in this article.

Laurel A. Clyde discusses:

·      educational blogging

·      Weblogs as sources of information for teachers

·      Weblogs in the curriculm

6.    http://sherifabdou.com/2009/01/10-websites-that-offer-free-blog-hosting/

This blog site describes the 10 Best Free Blog-Host-Providers. It is an individuals opinion, however gives insight on various blogging sites.

7.    www.blogspot.com

Blogspot.com is a Blog site to use for educational purposes.

As stated previously, I have created an account to be used by my students using this blogging site by google:

http://lakelandhealtheducation.blogspot.com/

8.    http://www.xanga.com/

A free blogging site, however it looks very complicated.  There is too much on the page for students to remain focused. It may be inappropriate to use for classroom purposes (as one of the blogs on the site expresses how to remove a hickey).

9.    Title: Blog, Blog, Blog


Source: Writer (Vol. 119, No. 4)


Author: Marilyn Ross


Publication Date: April 2006


Page Number: 39-40


Database: SIRS Renaissance 


Service: SIRS Knowledge Source <http://0-www.sirs.com.catalog.wblib.org>

Summary: “Blogs run the gamut from detailed daily diaries to impassioned political journals–and everything in between….Why would [they] interest writers seeking to advance their careers? For several reasons.” ( Writer ) This profile emphasizes the usefulness of blogs for writers wanting to “draw the attention of a publishing-focused audience.” A list of resources is included.

10. Title: Science 2.0


Source: Scientific American Vol. 298, No. 5


Author: M. Mitchell Waldrop


Publication Date: May 2008

Page Number: 68-73


Database: SIRS Researcher 


Service: SIRS Knowledge Source http://0-www.sirs.com.catalog.wblib.org

Summary:

“The first generation of World Wide Web capabilities rapidly transformed retailing and information search. More recent attributes such as blogging, tagging and social networking, dubbed Web 2.0, have just as quickly expanded people’s ability not just to consume online information but to publish it, edit it and collaborate about it–forcing such old-line institutions as journalism, marketing and even politicking to adopt whole new ways of thinking and operating. Science could be next. A small but growing number of researchers (and not just the younger ones) have begun to carry out their work via the wide-open tools of Web 2.0. And although their efforts are still too scattered to be called a movement–yet–their experiences to date suggest that this kind of Web-based ‘Science 2.0′ is not only more collegial than traditional science but considerably more productive.” (Scientific American)  In this examination of Science 2.0 and the rise of open-access collaboration through the Internet, the author considers the technology’s potential to both support rapid innovation and diminish credibility within the scientific research community.

** I can e-mail the journal articles to your personal e-mail address **

Your report for this assignment should cover two aspects:

·      The results of your search

Blogspot.com is easy to use

1.    Go to blogspot.com or blogger.com (same website comes up)

2.    Create Account

a.    Blog title: ex Lakeland Health Education

b.    Name Blog: ex. http://lakelandhealtheducation.blogspot.com

3.    Choose a template

After searching through and creating a blog through blogspot, I finally found how to have students become authors to my site.  Under the settings tab, there is a tab titled “permissions.”  This allows other students to become authors of the page as well.  I will have to input each student’s e-mail address in order for him or her to become authors of this page.  I plan on speaking to one of my coworkers who uses blogspot in his English class.  He has students blog every day after school- posting a relevant question to be answered as it pertains to the days lesson.

After searching the Internet, it has been determined that blogging is a beneficial tool to be used for educational purposes.  I found an abundance of information on the implementation of blogging in the classroom and hope to apply it to Health Education.

Please see above information on teacher tools and resources, as they were beneficial in my blogging search

·      What you learned from performing this search.

o    For example, which search engines did you use?

I primarily used Google as a main search engine as it gave me an abundance of resources.  I searched “blogging in schools,” and “blogs.”  From each initial search, I found more resources imbedded within sites.  Each resource I read had even more resources on each of the pages

o   What strategies did you use?

One of the strategies that I used to find resources was to check out each link that was imbedded within articles and websites.  When I did so, I found a great deal of information.  I found so much information “googling” that I did not use another search engine to gather data.

o   What helped or hindered your search?

Helped:

o   The many resources that were imbedded within each site I searched

o   There was an array of information to be found on the Internet

o   Teacher Blogs with beneficial information to apply to my classroom

Hindered:

o   Validity of each of the sources

o   Some of the links to other sites (within the initial page) were not found

o   How would you search again next time?

•  I would use other search engines to guide my findings as well as different key words.
•  I would find more scholarly journals 
• I would look for more examples by various blogging sites.
• I would look up more examples from blogspot.com to see how each teacher or student has utilized this site

Project Description Session 2 Blog Entry

 An educational need or opportunity. This element is fundamental in this project. Since we have limited time, energy, and resources, cool technology without a clear sense of why it matters or what we gain by it is of little value in the educational setting.

EDUCATIONAL PROBLEM/ISSUE: The problem that blogging with solve is two-fold

1) Huron Valley Schools, specifically Lakeland High School, has incorporated writing across the curriculum in all subject areas and therefore expects each domain to have students write.  Therefore, I must included writing in my Physcial Education courses as well as Health Education

2) I would like my students to improve their writing skills and become better writers.  

 BLOGS: Blogs are beneficial tools to be used in the classroom, if used properly.  As a teacher, incorporating technology into the classroom in a blog format would not only motivate students to become more engaged in material it will enhance their technological skills.  Weblogs, or blogs, are Web pages often likened to online personal journals. They are noted for being the “unedited, published voice of the people” (Winer 2003). Ferdig, R., & Trammell, K. (2004) Content Delivery in the ‘Blogosphere”. T.H.E Journal..  Using blogs in my health education classroom can utilize Web 2.0 technologies and apply it to my curriculum as well as hold students accountable or participation and learning.  This is an opportunity to utilize the computer labs at school in order to engage and enhance student learning.  The word blog has become part of a high school student’s diction. Why not utilize the opportunity to bring blogs to the classroom? It has been said “…teachers whose students blog within the context of lessons report improved writing and dramatically improved attitudes toward learning, classrooms and schools” (Blog Rules).  This is a great opportunity to incorporate blogging in my Health Education classroom as well as an innovative tool to motivate my students.

How you plan to address this educational issue with technology. You need to make a clear and convincing case that your proposed solution will make a real impact on the issue you identify, and that your proposed approach is a reasonable approach given its costs and possible alternatives.

Using blogs, teachers could utilize the constructivist model, which promotes inquiry-based learning.  Teachers could pose an open-ended question, which would require much thought and analytical review.  Students would have to respond to the question as well as other student’s blogs. This is considered active dialogue, which promotes inquiry and much thought.  Questions pertaining to real world scenarios would actively engage students to respond to blogged questions posed by the teacher.  Blogs itself are a motivational tool for learning.  Using the constructivist approach insightful thoughts documented by students support the constructivist strategy.  Learning through blogs is an active process; therefore the constructivist approach is a strategy that fits well.            

In addition, students can also develop and pose questions and later build upon their peer’s answers. Through this, students can gather and develop answers, look for results, and analyze and interpret information. Also, through a blog, students could post any questions or concerns they have in class. In using blogs, students would not have to turn in a hard copy of their journal, paper, or questions to be answered. Instead, they could use the blog.  Class time could be given to students to use the blogs in the computer lab. 

It has been said that, “Current educational research and theory have demonstrated the importance of social interaction in teaching and learning” (Ferdig, R., & Trammell, K. (2004) Content Delivery in the ‘Blogosphere”. T.H.E Journal. )  Face to face social interaction is just as important as virtual social interaction when teaching and learning from one’s peers and from one’s teacher.  Incorporating a blog into a classroom, one could enhance social skills as well as create an atmosphere filled with learning and fun.

Students should be informed that blogs are publicly accessible and that anything written in a blog would have to be appropriate, or the privilege would be taken from them.  One should “Clearly communicate that the messages posted on a blog are publicly accessible. Therefore, an employer, friend or parent can easily access the blog. As such, students should remember that once something is posted on the Internet, communication is irreversible, even if later edited or removed” ( Ferdig, R., & Trammell, K. (2004) Content Delivery in the ‘Blogosphere”. T.H.E Journal.).  This teaches students to be professional in their thoughts and help them grow as individuals.

As stated by Richard E. Ferdig, Ph.D., and Kaye D. Trammell, University of Florida, there are four benefits of student blogging:

1.     The use of blogs helps students become subject-matter experts.

2.     The use of blogs increases student interest and ownership in learning.

3.      The use of blogs gives students legitimate chances to participate.

4.     The use of blogs provides opportunities for diverse perspectives, both within and outside of the classroom.

In addition, I would add the following as previously expressed:

• Allows teachers to use a constructivist approach to student learning
• Social interaction with teaching and learning via blogs
• New and innovative technology that will “speak” to the students
• Educationally engaging (when used properly).

Also, Blogs serve other purposes such as:

·      Utilize Web 2.0 technologies

·      Save paper (since I am the copy total leader)

·      Blends various communication styles (verbal and written)

·      Students are held accountable for participation and learning

·      ALL students can strive – even the reluctant learners

·      Exciting for students

Relevant research and resources (from the Internet and elsewhere) including reports on the closest effort you can find to what you are planning to do as well as ideas and materials you may be able to build upon in your own effort.

(Ferdig, R., & Trammell, K. (2004) Content Delivery in the ‘Blogosphere”. T.H.E Journal.

http://www.edtechmag.com/k12/issues/november-december-2006/blog-rules.html

Brophy, J, (1999) Teaching.

In addition, Brophy supports blogging as it provides thoughtful discourse.  “Questions are planned to engage students in sustained discourse structured around powerful ideas” (Brophy, 19)  Providing students with the opportunity to blog in my classroom would strengthen Brophy’s 6^th principle.  When students are given questions that pertain to the health curriculum, they will have to provide a thoughtful and insightful response to the given question.  Other peers may respond to each student’s blog. 

Blogging supports Brophy’s 11^th principle of Goal Oriented assessment.  “In addition, learning activities and sources of data other than tests should be used for assessment purposes” (Brophy, 30).  Blogging in the classroom is a great opportunity to assess student learning in a way that appeals to the technological natives.

Web 2.0 Meets Information Literacy: Make new friends and keep the old

Joyce Kasman Valenza

As stated by Joyce Valenza, “Blogs foster the kind of risk-taking writing that may not happen in the traditional five-paragraph essay.  In this new form of public writing, students can share ideas before they are fully formed and solicit and use the ideas of others as they clarify build their own.  Bloggers learn to connect with audience, to express their messages in concise space and in more conversational tone.  Bloggers learn to weave their own voices into personal, unique communication products, developed over the course of time.” 

This proves why implementing Web 2.0 technologies such as blogging is beneficial for the technology natives that I call my students.

A plan for the portion you will implement during this course and the portion you will implement after this course completes.

I will implement blogging in the health education classroom by taking students to the computer lab and teaching them how to correctly use the given blog site. I will use blogging in the form of journaling and answering open-ended questions.  Students can comment on each other’s blogs and discuss relevant topics as it pertains to the health curriculum.

 How your project addresses the four common places of education:

Someone teaching

-The teacher is educating the students in a computer lab setting

Someone learning

-Students are learning from each other

Some subject matter

-Health education

In some setting

-Computer lab

  INTERACTIVE DISCUSSIONS WITH EXPERTS

 (A connection via audio and video- video conferencing) – using iChat or Skype

1.     What content could this help you teach?

Interactive discussions with a “guest speaker” could help students comprehend information more fully and also give them real life examples and an opportunity to ask questions that I cannot answer (by law, as an educator).  This would be beneficial for an individual to speak who was out of state, could not come to the schools, as well as incorporate technology into the classroom

Health:

Examples of various experts: discussion with a doctor (body systems unit and sex education units), psychiatrist, psychologist, therapist (mental health unit), police officer (drugs and alcohol), dentist (teeth/hygiene), nutritionist (nutrition unit)

PE:

 Examples of various experts for different sport units: college or pro athletic trainer (sport related injuries), a doctor (to cover effects of steroids), a pro or semi-pro athlete (as a motivational expert)

2.     What type of pedagogical strategies might you use with your students?

This would be more didactic teaching as interactive discussions would be more “sage on stage,” as I would have to choose which students asked questions and when.  Scaffolding would lead up to this interactive discussion. I would have them come up with questions prior to the interactive discussion.  They would create questions that pertain to what they have previously learned and need more clarity. The student questions could also cover aspects of the unit that we did not cover and they would want to know more about.

3.     What technologies do you think would be harder to use with your students? Why?

Electronic Portfolio: as this takes a great deal of time to create and is too intricate for 9^th graders to complete over a semester long course. This is a more advanced technology that could be better used in a class that meets for an entire year and at a higher level – 12^th grade students

Educational Blogs are hard to use right now, as they are not approved to use in school.  I would have to use a different proxy in order to have students be able to get to a blogging site.  I hope that in time I can use blogs to replace paper journals as well as use it as a collaborative learning environment

RSS feeds: students do not have a website to add Health or PE RSS feeds to. However, this could be used by the teacher not the student to help students understand information more fully

                  Describe your experience as a user of the application. What functions did you like and what functions did you find frustrating? Why?

                  I liked that this application was very user friendly and easy to use. Using Google docs, one can create a document, presentation, a spreadsheet, and a form.  These applications reminded me of Microsoft applications.  Comparable applications would be Microsoft word, Microsoft PowerPoint, and Microsoft Excel. However, within Google documents you have the option to SHARE your creations. This is a feature that I found to be a helpful tool.  For example, if I created a “presentation” in Google docs, I could share it with another individual and they could view it through Google docs (rather than having to own the PowerPoint application in order to view the presentation).  As also stated one could create a word document in Google docs and share it with another individual. When sharing a the document one could invite people as “collaborators” or “viewers.” If I invited you as a collaborator you could edit the paper. I sent you an example through Google docs (and how we could use it for our later assignment). I found this application to be easy to use as I am familiar with Microsoft applications.  The best function of this application is that one can share their products.

                  I did not find this application to be frustrating at all. In fact, that is why I like using Google docs.  It is not difficult and is fairly simple. I would recommend using this application for group projects.

                  Think about its application in the classroom

In the classroom Google docs could definitely be used.  Whether it be used as a word document, presentation, or to create a form, students could use Google docs as an application for various assignments.  If students had to do a group project and had difficulty meeting, this would be a great way to communicate and collaborate even though they cannot meet face to face.  One could work on part of the presentation share it, and then a collaborator could edit the presentation. This also holds true for other applications within Google docs.

                  What knowledge or skills would students need to use the software?

                  Basic knowledge of word, PowerPoint (because it is similar to “presentation”) and excel (similar to the “spreadsheet”) application.  They would also need to understand the difference between having someone be a “viewer” or a “collaborator” within using the application.

                  How can you share the products you create with this application

                  You can share the products you create with this application by simply clicking on the word “share” in the top right portion of the screen

                  How could you see the application being used to teach a particular subject matter?

                  Using the Presentation method, a presentation could be created by the teacher and used in class.  The teacher could share the presentation with the students, as “viewers,” and it would help the students comprehend the material.  One might send it prior to teaching, and students could have the option of printing it out before class. Much like professors did in college, sharing the PowerPoint, via angel, and bringing it to class to take notes.

                  What are some things a teacher could do to help students collaborate using this application?

                  As a teacher, one could help students collaborate by teaching them how to use the collaborative feature.  Within the application, when you share a document or presentation etc, you may add individuals as “viewers” or “collaborators.” A teacher could have the students make sure to add her to the list of collaborators so that she could assist in any way needed.

What sort of organization or managerial considerations will a teacher have to take into account?

The teacher would have to make sure that each student had an e-mail address or Google doc e-mail.  If students do not have an e-mail address it would be hard to share applications.  In my district, each student is given an e-mail address, so this would not pose a problem. However, in other districts this might be more of an issue

1.     In your blogs we want you to write about the following:

o   What instructional strategies would fit well with using blogs in the classroom? Why?

The constructivist model, which promotes inquiry based learning, would fit well using blogs in the classroom.  As an educator in health and physical education, one could pose an open ended question which would require much thought and analytical review.  Students would have to respond to the question as well as other student’s blogs (similar to how we use discussion forums and blogs in this course). This is considered active dialogue, which promotes inquiry and much thought.  Questions pertaining to real world scenarios would actively engage students to respond to blogged questions posed by the teacher.  Blogs itself are a motivational tool for learning.  Using the constructivist approach insightful thoughts documented by students support the constructivist strategy.  Learning through blogs is an active process, therefore the constructivist approach is a strategy that fits well

The more traditional approach of didactic teaching would also be helpful.  Using blogs to have students answer more basic questions with an “ex-rule” strategy could be documented. 

o   What instructional strategies would not fit well with using blogs in the classroom? Why?

Idea based learning- the overall process, which is the opposite of inquiry would not fit as well using blogs in the classroom as it focuses on the idea. Students need to start with an understanding of the idea rather than building up to it.  This strategy is best used in the classroom setting as it would be more difficult to blog the bigger picture. I think that using a metaphor and forming kinesthetic activities to gain a better understanding using idea-based instruction is a concept that is difficult to blog.

This is not to say that using the idea based learning through blogs is not possible.  I just do not think it fits as well as the constructivist or traditional approach.

How could blogs utilize the idea-based strategy? I think it would be a cool idea, but not sure how I could incorporate this into a blog.

o   How could you see Blogs being used in your classroom with your subject matter?

I would use blogs in my classroom in the form of journals and open ended challenging questions through which dialogue is created.  Students can also develop and pose questions and later build upon their peer’s answers. Through this, students can gather and develop answers, look for results, and analyze and interpret information. Also, through a blog, students could post any questions or concerns they have in class. It could take the place of e-mailing back and forth. Instead, I could start a class blog where students could assist each other’s learning comprehension. A forum like discussion could take place.  It would be a great place for students to go and ask each other questions before a test or questions about the day-to-day content

o   Bonus Question: Sometimes it is not the technology that imposes the limitations but our own imaginations and ability to adapt technology to fit our needs– How could you adapt a Web 2.0 technology to support an instructional strategy that you feel it doesn’t easily support? (e.g., using a blog to help students understand their math facts.)

To help students understand certain concepts and such in PE/Health, as stated above it would be a great place to have group discussions regarding material.  I could post pictures, guided questions, and offer support through my responses.

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   • What additional considerations have to be made when creating computer-based instructional objects (e.g., StAIR projects, WebQuests) for students to use independently?

There are an array of considerations to me made when creating a computer based instructional object for students to use independently.  As discussed in the web design presentation there are five different categories to consider which also directly correlate to StAIR project and WebQuests. Five primary considerations are relevance and appropriateness for the target audience, does it accomplish a purpose?, is the purpose clear?, is it interesting a pleasing? And lastly, is it void of web specific pitfalls?

It is very important to consider the relevance and appropriateness for the target audience. Within this consideration, one should recognize how much information to include and make it clear and concise.  Too much information can cause one to feel overwhelmed.  Students’ age, interests, motivation, and literacy level should also be considered when creating a computer based instructional object.  If the StAIR or Webquest is too complex “learned helplessness” will be a problem.  All students should be successful when working independently on an instructional object. The layout is important to consider too. How many pictures to include? Will it take away from student learning or emphasize the goal? Do the pictures serve a purpose or are they distracting? Is there too much text? There are many areas to consider as it pertains to relevance and appropriateness for the target audience.

One should create a computer based instructional object that utilizes instructional strategies and has a clear and specific purpose as it pertains to the standards and benchmarks.  The objective or concomitant objectives should be addressed so the target audience knows and understand what the task will be. Benchmarks and standards help to shape the concepts, however the way in which the information is taught is up to the educator.

The computer based instructional object should be interesting and pleasing for the target audience.  Motivation is key when it comes to education.  Creation of an interesting and pleasing assignment for students increases motivation.  Using real life examples that relate to the students allows for connection of the material.  Including hyperlinks to websites containing videos, pictures, and articles enhance student learning and make the instructional objects fun to learn. Using a good visual design and a layout that speaks to the student makes the lesson intriguing.

It is also important that each instructional object is up to date and is void of other pitfalls.  An up to date instructional object is imperative for the learner to comprehend the material in a correct fashion.  One should make sure that the hyperlinks are accessible and relevant to the material being covered

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   • Search for some exemplary WebQuests related to your content area and post the link to your blog
   • Explain why you selected those examples (You may want to address issues of design or their use of specific instructional strategies.)

Exemplary Webquests:

1)PE and Health Fitness Webquest

http://www.truwebs.com/csu/ete567/webquest/

Why selected?

Mr.Urich, the creator of the Health Fitness webquest, employs a few strategies in order to create an effective webquest.  First, he used figurative language as a strategy to motivate adolescent students to research health components. “Look like a Rock Star” is the attention grabber that is used to encourage students and perpetuate interest.  A deductive strategy was used to combine two of the tasks. 

I liked how First students had to research the components (find and understand the definitions of the components) and then develop a workout program with exercises for one of the components of health fitness.  This would be considered a “Rule-Eg.” These strategies are successful and effective for they build upon one another.  One must understand the fitness components in order to give examples of exercises to be included in a workout plan.

* I actually chose to evaluate this webquest because I noticed it was up to date (2007) and had relevant and interesting information

2) Fast Food Fact Finder

http://technoteacher.com/WebQuests/FastFoods/index.htm

Why Selected:

-The purpose is clearly stated

-It is simple and user friendly

-The goal relates to the students

-Many students eat fast food.  Although it is not good for you, this is a way to find some of the healthier choices on the menu.

-The layout is colorful and uses the space wisely for content and pictures

-I like how the conclusion has reflection questions for student to answer. 

3) Healthiest Fast Foods

http://www.amphi.com/~psteffen/cheeseburger/index.htm

Why Selected:

- This Webquest has a similar goal to the Fast Food Fact Finder, but has less pictures

-The diagrams have a more clear purpose.

-It is Simple, containing fewer colors

-Purpose is clearly stated

-It was interesting to compare and contrast the two Webquests with similar goals (Food Fact Finder and Healthiest Fast Foods.