WebQuests

Since learning about them in this course, I have really grown fond of WebQuests. I think there are a lot of high quality WebQuests out there that could really be beneficial for students. Furthermore, I really enjoyed making a WebQuest to use in my classroom this upcoming year. My plan is to make several throughout the year, to match the curriculum across all subject matter, so I can use them throughout the years.

One of the great things about WebQuests is how they can be used across all subject matter. Although the one I made for this course was for first grade science (particularly weather), I intend on making them for math units, language arts curriculum, other science topics, social studies curriculum, etc. The other great thing about making your own WebQuests is that you can tailor them to fit the specific needs of your students and your curriculum. Likewise, you can use all sorts of pedagogical strategies with your students. The possibilities are really endless with Webquests; they are as creative as you make them to be. You could do a wide variety of activities with them as well, whole group, small group, partner, independent, etc.


Some of the technologies I feel would be more difficult to use with my students (mainly because of their young ages) are Wikis, RSS Feeds, and blogs. Some of the technologies I plan on using with my first graders include online gaming, podcasting, online research, virtual field trips, and interactive discussions between students.

Wikis and Wikipedia

When I searched Wikipedia for my school, it lead me to a page for all of East Lansing Public Schools. The page included information about each one of the schools in ELPS, so I added information for Donley Elementary School. I added the name of our principal (Marcy Kinzer), and a link to the school's webpage. Below is a screen shot of what the Wikipedia page now looks like.

In terms of my Wiki, since I have used Wikispaces quite a few time through my course work for MSU, I decided to try out a different program, PB Works. It was fairly easy to use, a bit more confusing than Wikispaces, but not bad. I added a slideshow of pictures from my student teaching experience. It was the first time I had used slide.com, and I have to say, it was a fun program to use. I also made a sidebar with links to other sites I have created throughout this course. I am still not exactly sure what I would want to use a Wiki for. Perhaps to collaborate with the other first grade teachers I work with this year. You can access my Wiki by clicking here.