Choosing and Using Web-Based Learning Tools

Dr. Robin KayUOITOshawa, Canada

UOIT

• Started in 2003 • 6000+ Students• Laptop based university

• Masters Program – Virtual or Synchronous

One request•If you have a question, problem, concern

please jump right in at the moment

•OR post a comments at todaysmeet.com/WBLT

How often do you use computers in a significant way with your class?

Go to: PollEv.com

Net Generation•A Vision of K-12 Students Today

So what prevents you from using computers with your class?

1. In pairs, make a short list and post response at todaysmeet.com/WBLT

Web-Based Learning Tools•Access

▫Easy access – web-based•Time

▫Easy to Learn•Software

▫Always up to date / Mostly predictable▫Targets specific concepts

•Problems▫Fewer problems

Web-Based Learning ToolsInformation Tools

Production Tools

Collaborative Tools

Interactive Tools

Web-Based Information Tools•Video Podcasts (e.g. Khan, Teacher Tube)•Pinterest (personal resources)•Scoopit (personal resources)

For more information go to: http://mathtechtoolsuoit.wikispaces.com/

Web-Based Production Tools•Google Docs – Create and share

documents•Prezi – Presentation software•Jing – Create you own video•Animoto•Concept Maps•Glogster•Padlet

For more information go to: http://mathtechtoolsuoit.wikispaces.com/

Web-Based Collaboration Tools•Wikis – Create websites in groups•Blogs – Comment on anything in groups•Pirate Pad – Sharing Ideas•Google Hangout (Virtual Meeting)•Twitter

For more information go to: http://mathtechtoolsuoit.wikispaces.com/

Web-Based Interactive Tools“Interactive tool that supports the learning of a specific concept”

Examples of Interactive Tools•Distance Time

•Nets, Surface Area, Volume

•Go to http://kayuoitpres.wikispaces.com/ to play – 5 minutes for each one

Agenda- Web-Based Learning Tools1. Finding WBLTs

2. Choosing WBLTs

3. Using WBLTs

Finding Web-Based Learning ToolsWhere do you go?• Gizmos (free for Grades 7 to 12)• Math Tools• nrich• NCTM Illuminations• Browse Interactives• National Library of Virtual Manipulatives• Interactivate (Shodor)• Online Math Manipulatives

Playtime•Go to kayuoitpres.wikispaces.com/

▫Finding WBLTs

• Find one that you like▫Post at http://todaysmeet.com/WBLT▫Type Liked <web address>”

• Find one that you did not like▫Post at http://todaysmeet.com/WBLT▫Type Did not like <web address>”

How do you choose?What features do you like?• Post at http://todaysmeet.com/WBLT

What features DON”T you like?• Post at http://todaysmeet.com/WBLT

Current Research on Choosing WBLTs•2500-3000 students•3 school boards districts•150-200 teachers•Attitudes & Learning Performance•Came up with a list of features that lead

to good results …

Features …1. Easy to use2. Colour & look3. Multimedia (Video, Images, Audio)4. Design (Does it make sense?)5. Interactivity6. Enhances Learning7. Context/Theme8. Instructional Wrap

Final Thoughts on Choosing•Unlikely to find the perfect tool•You can overcome flaws with a good

instruction wrap

•Ease of use is critical•Engagement is a good idea•Focus on a specific concept•Focus on your Learning Goals

QuestionsIt takes time to plan the kind of questions you need to use with a Web-Based Learning Tool

30-60 minutes is typical

Choose Your Tool + 3 Questions• Groups of 3-4• Pick WBLT from

kayuoitpres.wikispaces.com/• Come up with 3 GOOD questions based

on your learning goals• Post on Padlet at

tinyurl.com/wbltpadlet

A Good Lesson with WBLTs1. Context2. Learning Goals3. Tinyurl 4. Demo (if necessary)5. Guiding Questions6. Presentation + QA WBLTs7. Participation8. Check learning after

Context•Why are they are using the tool?•Why is the concept learned important?•What is the big picture?

OTHERWISE•Students are confused from the start•See the WBLT as pointless

Learning Goals•Clearly state the learning goal(s) to the

students•After using this WBLT, you should be able

to :

OTHERWISE•Students can get confused and lost•They don’t know what to focus on

Use tinyurl.com or tiny.cc

To Demo or Not to Demo•Students like to figure stuff out on their

own

HOWEVER

•There may be awkward areas or weird stuff

•Take 2 minutes to point these out•If it take longer than 2 minutes you have

the wrong WBLT

Guiding Questions•Questions that lead student toward the

learning goals and target questions

•Without clear guiding questions, the WBLT is useless

•Can take 30-45 min to create

Presentation + QA WBLTs•Graphing Patterns

•For basic concepts, younger grades (Grade 6 -10) can work quite well

•Hard to use more constructive WBLTs unless you have the basics knowledge down

Participation•Individual Use can work well – but should

be able to ask questions•Pairs work WELL because you have

conversation, a second opinion and someone to write down findings – BE CAREFUL

•Work as a class with LCD▫Pose questions and have students work in

pairs to predict or come up with answers▫Write prediction down ▫Ask students to work the WBLT, not you

Check for Learning•Have students answer questions at the

end to see if the learning goals were achieved – Are there any unanswered questions?

•Critical because there is often a sizeable disconnect between what teachers and students experience

Contact InformationRobin Kay: robin.kay@uoit.ca

Wiki for this Session:http://kayuoitpres.wikispaces.com/