The Michigan Merit Curriculum’s online experience guideline provides good information for providing a quality online learning experience. There are many examples of potential online experiences. In my work setting, I can see the use of a WebQuest as a great opportunity to challenge special education educators across Michigan to explore their student data available via the web using the appropriate links. I recently completed creating a data Webquest. I designed the WebQuest to address the elements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The intended audience for this WebQuest is district-level special education educators in Michigan. The educational goal is designed to provide school district staff with an opportunity to focus their attention on getting to know their special education data. As a short-term WebQuest, the focus is on knowledge acquisition. District staff should be able to complete the task in about a week by working together as a team. By investigating their data they identify areas of strengths and weaknesses in special education relative to educational placements, identification and discipline of their students with disabilities. Based on these findings they review district policies, procedures and practices. Throughout the WebQuest I have embedded various pedagogical strategies such as scaffolding, concept attainment, cooperative learning and discussion and experimental inquiry. Check it out at http://www.jtrevino.webs.com/. In my opinion, WebQuests have the potential of providing a quality online learning experience.
However, I think that online field trips and projects are technologies that would not easily apply to the target audience I work with across the State. Nevertheless, there are many other possibilities. Prior to taking CEP 811, I didn’t realize the potential for using technologies like educational blogs, wikis, podcasts and the use of RSS feeds all in an attempt to communicate more effectively and efficiently with special education educators across Michigan.
Julie,
ReplyDeleteI thought you detailed description of your WebQuest was wonderful and when I looked at your WebQuest I was that much more impressed. I really liked the book style that you used, it added a nice touch.
I thought Online Field Trips would be a very unique technology that many would really enjoy. Don't get me wrong, if I had to create one it would be a living nightmare but what it could offer in the way of audio and videos of information makes it that much more impressive. Don't think that having a dial-up connection would be advised but if I think about all the places and things that had a tour of videos and walk-throughs I would have been overwhelmed with excitement and eager to learn more. So, I'm not disagreeing and see how it wouldn't work well with your WebQuest information but think they do have some potential.
Hi Julie,
ReplyDeleteI think it is awesome that you have found ways to utilize technology resources to better support teachers across the state of Michigan. Since educational improvements are rapidly expected and high goals set by government -- most of which is data driven in some form or fashion -- it is extremely helpful to have the same information easily accessible to all educators. The use of WebQuests, wikis and blogs can definitely fill the gap in your professional setting. Nice job!
Debbie