Web Applications

Appropriate Use of the Web for Instruction

By Allison Prange

Web Instruction

• Option to go online to teach content

• New ways to present material• Student freedom to explore and

take responsibility for learning

• Some issues arise when considering the use of internet for instruction

• Teachers need to take proper measures before utilizing the internet

Tools for Instruction

• Distance learning– Online courses

• Basic research– Designated sites (eg. Learnalberta.ca)– Google

• Online activities/assessments– Numerous interactive and educational sites specific to a

subject– Webquests– Online quizzes

• Collaborative projects– Wikispaces– Google docs

• Multimedia presentations– Digital storytelling– Graphic organizers– Sound, images, text

• Project submissions– Email– Slideshare

Content1. Issues surrounding:

• Supervision – monitoring the use of the internet

• Safety – potential risks when going online• Ineffective use – poor reflection of content• Technical setbacks – programs, glitches,

equipment• Losing traditions – moving away from

conventional means

2. Teacher considerations

• Overcoming obstacles• Benefits of online use

3. Sources

Supervision

• “Using the Internet allows students to instantly connect with others and access information without the barriers of time and distance, but these new learning and teaching environments bring additional responsibilities to teachers and families for teaching children how to make safe and informed decisions while using the Internet.” – K.L. Rice

• Poor use of class time• Inaccurate information•Distractions such as advertisements•Inappropriate sites

Safety

• Potential loss of data– Transferring of data– Saving information online

• Contact with other users– Chat rooms– Social networks

• Sharing of information– Subscriptions– Posting personal entries

• Inappropriate material– Pop-ups– Advertisements– Faulty information

Numerous sources of literature that address the risks involved with internet use:

Ineffective Use

• Need to consider different learning styles• Incorporate multiple intelligences:

1. Linguistic intelligence ("word smart")2. Logical-mathematical intelligence

("number/reasoning smart")3. Spatial intelligence ("picture smart")4. Bodily-Kinesthetic intelligence ("body smart")5. Musical intelligence ("music smart”)6. Interpersonal intelligence ("people smart")7. Intrapersonal intelligence ("self smart")8. Naturalist intelligence ("nature smart”)

Dr. Howard Gardner

• Some concepts require physical or tangible evidence

Bloom’s Taxonomy

Ineffective Use

Teachers need to consider:

Is it meeting course objectives?Is this the best way to present material?

Are there any modifications needed?Is it at the appropriate level for the students?

Are students engaged or bored?“I do believe that we must start with the teaching and learning goals, and then determine how technology can

assist these functions” - Barbazon T.

Losing Traditions

• Some things are better done “the old-fashioned way”• Students not being taught the conventional way of researching (why go to a

library when you can find it online?)• Simulations and graphics are replacing real-time demonstrations• Less face-time with teachers

– “Vygotsky’s Social Development Theory stresses the importance of social interaction and its role in cognitive development.”

- Brown Yoder

– “Compared with traditional face-to-face courses, online students interact less frequently with their educators and peers. What's more, their limited social contact is generally lower in quality. Experienced educators observe that some interactions which take place in the traditional classroom cannot be replicated online. For example, teachers cannot see the expressions on their students' faces, and are therefore unable to gauge how well the material is being received. Similarly, online educators do not have the option to use classroom theatrics to intrigue their students.”

- The Cons of Online Education

Technical Setbacks

• “… if the webCT platform has disenabled guest account creation and thereby blocked student entry into the website, then the instructor becomes responsible for a situation over which they can do little except write placation emails”

-Brabazon. T.

• “Digital materials can experience glitches, making it difficult to participate in online courses. Plus, if a student is unfamiliar with a new program or wary of using new programs, his or her perceptions of the online course might be swayed. What's more, a student's inexperience and/or frustration with a new online tool or course will undoubtedly affect the quality and depth of his or her learning.”

-The Cons of Online Education

Teaching Considerations

• There are a variety of pros and cons when using web applications

• Up to the teacher’s discretion how much they will utilize the internet for instruction

• Make sure that student ability is gauged• Ensure that objectives are being met• Plan ahead so that students are using time efficiently• Have a backup plan in case technology fails or

students need modifications

Teaching Resources

• There are a variety of teacher resources available to assist in web applications:– Tutorials– Educational sites

• Webquests• Follow curriculum

– Newsgroups/forums– Software (eg. netop myvision for supervision) – Search Engines or online sources:

• http://mashable.com/2007/07/22/online-collaboration/

Benefits of Web Applications

• There are numerous reasons why teachers should use web applications:– Engages students– Accessibility of information– Collaborative projects– Interactive programs– Multimedia presentations– Enrichment– Current and relevant to students

Sources

• Armstrong, T. (2009). Multiple Intelligences. In Online Education: What are the Risks. Retrieved February 10, 2011, from http://www.thomasarmstrong.com/multiple_intelligences.php

• Brabazon, T. (2002). Digital Hemlock:Internet Education and the Poisoning of Teaching. Sydney, Australia: University of New South Wales Press Ltd.

• Brown Yoder, M. (2003). Oh, The Changes We've Seen. Learning and Leading With Technology, 30(5), 6-17. Retrieved February 4, 2011

• Brown Yoder, M. (1999). A Productive and Thought-Provoking Use of the Internet. Learning and Leading With Technology, 26(7), 6-9. Retrieved February 3, 2011

• The Cons of Online Education. (2001). In Online Education: What are the Risks. Retrieved February 10, 2011, from http://www.onlineeducation.org/negative-aspects-online-education

• Rice, K. L. (2008). Internet Safety. In The Internet as an Instructional Tool. Retrieved February 6, 2011, from http://edtech.boisestate.edu/elearn/internet/safeinternet.htm

• Canadian Internet Use Survey. (2010). In Statistics Canada. Retrieved February 4, 2011, from http://edtech.boisestate.edu/elearn/internet/safeinternet.htmhttp://www.statcan.gc.ca/daily-quotidien/100510/dq100510a-eng.htm

• Yoder, M. Oh, the changes we've seen; A thirty year retrospective of educational pedagogy Learning and Leading With Technology, 30 (5). 2003

Image Sources

• Slide 1: http://westlanetech.orvsd.org/welcome• Slide 2: http://gadgetsteria.com/category/internet/page/13/• Slide 3: http://www.google.ca/imghp?hl=en&tab=wi

http://www.zunal.com/index-search.php?t=5&key=webquest&page=214• Slide 4:

http://blog.rmdstudio.com/2007/06/08/what-do-web-application-architects-do/

• Slide 5: http://www.netop.com/products/education/myvision.htm

• Slide 6: http://www.clker.com/clipart-closed-lock.html• Slide 7:

http://www.odu.edu/educ/roverbau/Bloom/blooms_taxonomy.htm

• Slide 8: http://www.thechefalliance.com/Our-Clients