Web-Based Instructional Strategies(Option 1)

K.T. SandlinEME 5405

June 5

University of Florida

How do you use technology in your classroom? If your answer is something like

“I want to use technology, but I’m not sure where to start”

“I present my material on a PowerPoint…”

“I use one or two strategies, but am interested in more…”

You can do more!

Let’s move beyond “adequate” and into “exemplary” in regards to technology!

If you use posters or collages,

Try a Multi-media Scrapbook!

What is that?

Students scour the Web for text and graphics on a given topic.

They copy and paste them into a word processing document, publishing document, or other multi-media software

Students must provide explanations for why they chose those particular examples.

Scrapbooks are published online for others to comment on

Example?

China Scrapbook

How can I make this work?

Your students very likely already know how to copy and paste together documents.

Explore sites like Flickr, Delicious, or BlogSpot for sharing the files.

Or, create a discussion on your class’s ANGEL page (which would ensure control over who could view and/or comment on your students’ work)

If your students lack backgroundknowledge…

Try a virtual field trip

What is that?

Students explore relevant real-life locations whole-group, small-group, or independently

Example?

The Old Provost House and Dungeon, Charleston, SC

If you want to give students the opportunity to research an already-covered topic more in-depth,

Consider a Topic Hotlist

What is that?

A collection of Web sites related to a specific topic

Meant to broaden a student’s exposure to existing curriculum

Maybe a great resource for independent study

Example?

Hotlist about China

If you want to Demonstrate a Concept,

Try an online Simulation

What is that?

Duplicates a procedure that can’t be easily demonstrated to students

Example?

Physics Simulation

Notes:

This presentation was made and shared with teachers at my school (a rural high school) who noted on a self-survey on technology usage in the classroom that they will need additional support.

As a literacy specialist, it is part of my job to ensure that the strategies teachers are using are effective, but also to make sure that students are engaged in challenging and rigorous activities. This presentation was created on the assumptions that teachers are self-nominated to attend, looking for concrete examples of things they can begin to implement soon.

Notes continued

The message to teachers was not received well. At this point in the year, teachers do not appreciate what could be considered “one more thing” that is being imposed upon them.

It was helpful that I kept the number of strategies down to four. This way, teachers were less likely to get overwhelmed