Computer-based instructional objects should be interesting to the students. I found countless examples where the math content was simply just skills based. I find it hard to believe that these would actively engage most students.
These particular types of educational resources are not dissimilar to other resources. There are examples that are short activities and there are long term projects that do exist. However, I found most of them to be created in the vein of a daily activity. There are some daily computer-based instructional objects that had merit, but unfortunately had too many broken links.
I did happen upon a Webquest that involve the creation of bridge, Don't Burn, Build. The activity was to take about two school weeks. I feel that the content of the assignment would prove to be more interesting to students than a skill building instructional object. This Webquest asked the students to do things individually and then collaborate in a group setting as well. There are links that are broken, but the bridge design project could be well done after finding new links. I really enjoyed the concept that the students would have to produce drawings and potentially a 3-D model of the bridge.
If you happen upon any exemplary up-to-date math Webquests, please point me in their direction. I just may not have been searching in the right locations.
Casey, I agree with your comment regarding basic skills. The WebQuest that will engage students must challenge a skill set, where levels of accomplishment can be identified. Similiar to a game. This is how most students interact with the Internet.
ReplyDeleteI also experienced two WebQuests with broken links. It was annoying. There is so much unmanaged and outdated material on the web. My take away for my WebQuest is to remove the site or keep the links current.
Hi Casey - One of the things that I noticed in my review of webquests is that many of them seem to be written as assignments for college level courses or that a person or design team only creates one of them. I am beginning to think that teachers who are currently teaching either don't have the time to create them or find that the payoff is not worth the time invested.
ReplyDeleteBefore teaching chemistry, I taught the pre-engineering curriculum for 10 years. There are several bridge related simulations and competitions that students can do and would find more engaging than the bridge webquest you reviewed. Maybe you could write a more modern webquest for this assignment.
Jeff-I guess we will find out if the payoff is worth the effort in the next few weeks. I will have to check out some other bridge related projects.
ReplyDeleteCarla-Educators might have to start incorporating education into actual video games. The education would have to be covertly inserted into the gameplay.
Casey,
ReplyDeleteThe one thing I always consider when looking at any resource on the web (not to mention WebQuests) is, "How will these "fit" into the curriculum?" I know many of them can be adapted to your curriculum, but I'm talking standards...and meeting them. How can anyone easily spend two weeks on an adapted program that will meet the needs and standards of the course? Not trying to be a downer because I love a good computer based project, just throwing out some food for thought. Finding a balance between the cool stuff, and the relevant stuff is tough. Why can't somebody make all stuff relevant AND cool?