WebQuests

The San Diego State University scholar, Bernie Dodge developed WebQuest two decades ago. It involves an inquiry-oriented lesson format in which the major source of information the learners work with is provided by the web. Through the use of moderated internet, I particularly, find WebQuest as one of the appropriate and a systematic way that engages the learners in project-based learning.

In this case the teachers create their own WebQuests and then engage the learners on the best approach to conduct the lesson. A WebQuest is divided into the following parts:

1.    Introduction

2.    Tasks

3.    Process

4.    Resources

5.    Evaluation

6.    Conclusion

In using this approach, students can participate in hands on learning activities that promote social skills via teamwork, higher order critical thinking skills via inquiry and problem-based learning, and technological skills via the Internet in which the learners become motivated for lifelong learning through the use of WebQuests.

It is clearly true that the Internet has many functions. It is not only for entertainment and to access information. It is a powerful tool that can bring teachers and students together for instruction and learning. The WebQuest is one method that teachers can bring technology into the classroom for learning so easily.

One of the elements of 21st Century of learning and innovation skills has increasingly being recognized as the skills that separate learners who are prepared for increasingly complex life and work environments in the 21st century, and those who are not. A focus on creativity, critical thinking, communication and collaboration is essential to prepare learners for the future. This is also the essence of WebQuests.

Ciao!

Home Made Simple Solar Oven

Light and heat emitted from the sun find many applications in everyday life, for instance, Light and heat from the sun have been made use of by many devices that make use of it ranging from solar panels and solar ovens among others.  The latter can warm/cook food, pasteurize water using the power of the sun only. In this project I will demonstrate the operation of solar oven or its mechanism to absorb more heat than it releases which can be termed as school made solar oven for heating water or cooking. The project shall be guided by the following objectives:

Curriculum Objectives

1.    to find out what a radiant energy is?

2.    To determine what a black body is?

3.    to establish why use a black cooking pot?

Specific 21st Century skills and higher-order skills

1.    to build a box solar oven from locally available materials like aluminum foil

2.    to improve on the design to build a more efficient oven.

3.    to determine how hot an oven needs to be able to warm or cook food?

Enjoy the experience of warming, cooking with homemade solar ovens. However, you will need the following materials and equipments to make one at home: Cardboard boxes, Metric ruler or measuring tape, Utility knife, Metal coat hanger, Pair of pliers, Sheets of newspaper…..

Ciao!

Learning through Projects

Do you want learners to get engaged in learning? then Project Based Learning (PBL) is the solution or the approach through which they get engaged by getting involved in breaking up deeper into complex and yet demanding and sometimes even difficult to deal with problems that closely relate to real life. PBL encourages active inquiry and higher-level thinking especially when the learners are helped to understand why, when, and how meaningful problem-solving activities are relevant to their learning process that further helps them continue beyond the classroom. For a successful planning for a Project Based Learning, Edutopia outlines six steps found here: http://www.edutopia.org/stw-maine-project-based-learning-six-steps-planning.

PBL offers a wide range of benefits

For students

1.    Increases attendance, growth in self-reliance, and improved attitudes toward learning.

2.    Academic gain is more with students involved in projects for their own learning than during more traditional classroom activities.

3.    They get opportunities to develop complex skills, such as higher-order thinking, problem-solving, collaborating, and communicating.

4.    Access to a broader range of learning opportunities in the classroom, providing a strategy for engaging culturally diverse learners

For teachers

1.    There is enhanced professionalism and collaboration among colleagues, and opportunities to build relationships with students.

2.    Teachers become pleased to find a model that accommodates diverse learners by introducing a wider range of learning opportunities into the classroom.

Challenges that I am likely to face in implementing PBL in my class

1.    Recognizing situations that make for good projects

2.    Collaborating with colleagues to develop interdisciplinary projects

3.    Managing the learning process

4.    Integrating technologies where appropriate

Ciao!