In today's ever changing world, technology seems to be developing at a rapid pace. School systems are now using computer programs to print report cards online, e-mail is quickly becoming the preferred method of communication between people of all ages, and students are getting their information for school projects from the internet instead of the library. Whether we approve of these changes or not, the fact is that computers, digital cameras, the internet, and i-devices are a major part of our modern world, and in order to keep up with the times and prepare our students for jobs in a technology savvy world, it is vital that we integrate them into our curriculum. Below are listed just a few examples of ways in which we can do this.
1. Take your students on a WebQuest: If you are unfamiliar with WebQuests, the following link will take you to a site that will describe them in detail. It also provided the types of thinking processes used during both short and long term WebQuests.
What is a WebQuest?
Put simply, a WebQuest is an assignment that requires students to find information and answer questions through research on a specific topic by using the internet. Good WebQuests present the student with a specific topic, as well as the questions to be answered, and links to where the information can be found. It is then up to the student to use the provided links to complete the Quest by performing the required steps and answering the appropriate questions/completing the required activities. WebQuests can be simple enough to be completed by 1st or 2nd graders, or complex enough to be given as assignments for college students.
Pre-made WebQuests can be found online, and there are plenty of resources for teachers about how to make your own WebQuest. The following links provide examples that are designed for elementary students.
A Bug Safari
So You Want to Compete in the Olympics
Native American Stories
The following links will take you to websites listing several WebQuests per page
WebQuests for students in grades K-4
WebQuests separated by Subject Area
WebQuests divided by age range
Note: In researching this topic I discovered there are many links that are no longer working. Be sure to make sure that the WebQuest you are interested in having your students do is actually working before assigning it to avoid any upset students :) !
2. Use a BrainPop video to introduce and enhance your lesson: BrainPop is a great site that has hundreds of short animated videos covering a wide variety of subjects including Science, History, and Math. Student's love the animation and the humor in the videos, and the information is presented clearly and concisely. There is even an optional quiz you can do together with your class to test comprehension. Follow the link below to go directly to the web page.
Brainpop
3. Use a digital camera or video recorder to make a scrapbook of special events: Events such as holiday parties, guest speakers, assemblies, after school activities, plays, talent shows, concerts, sporting events etc can be recorded or photographed. With the assistance and supervision of a teacher, students can be given the responsibility of using the cameras, and what they capture can then be uploaded to the school website for viewing, or used to make keepsake videos/scrapbooks given to students at the end of year.
4. Involve your students in creating/maintaining a class website: Almost all schools now have their own website, and teachers are given the ability to create their own page to inform parents of what is happening in the classroom, and to remind students of upcoming assignments etc. There is no reason that students can become involved in the process as well. Students can take photos or videos of class events, provide links to fun and educational websites they enjoy, choose clipart/photos to spruce up the website etc. Students who have a hand in creating their class website will also be more likely to visit it and use the resources provided by both their teachers classmates.
5. Go on an Internet Scavenger Hunt: Internet scavenger hunts are fun for students, and they can be used in a variety of ways. The simplest reason to send your class on an Internet scavenger hunt is to enhance their knowledge of how to search for specific information on the Internet. It is also possible to use Internet hunts to reinforce student knowledge of topics presented in class. For example, if you are doing a lesson on Egypt, a scavenger hunt can be created that focuses on information about pyramids, mummies, geography, religion etc. A few examples are listed below.
Simple Internet Scavenger Hunt
History Hunt
Language Arts Hunt
Note: In case you are wondering what the difference is between WebQuests and Internet Scavenger Hunts, WebQuests focus on one particular question or subject, while Scavenger Hunts are much more broad as far as the topics and questions that are asked.
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