What is unique about the computer? Ability to manipulate data to represent knowledge Ability to manipulate data to represent knowledge Ability to manipulate variables in a microworld Ability to manipulate variables in a microworld Removal of time and geographical barriers Removal of time and geographical barriers Increased access to information Increased access to information

Spreadsheets Collect and analyze lab data Collect and analyze lab data Experiment with “what if” scenario Experiment with “what if” scenario Create the spreadsheet for data collection Create the spreadsheet for data collection Create “what if” scenario Create “what if” scenario

Databases manipulate data manipulate data look for relations look for relations ask questions ask questions create a database create a database

Concept Mapping

Simulations/Models a constrained environment that allows learners to test hypotheses a constrained environment that allows learners to test hypotheses provides experiential learning provides experiential learning allow the exploration of phenomena allow the exploration of phenomena learners can build their own models learners can build their own models –E.g. Gizmos Gizmos »Class Code NCZNT4LPRL

Multimedia Allows students to represent knowledge using a variety of media Allows students to represent knowledge using a variety of media Not restricted to a linear representation of knowledge Not restricted to a linear representation of knowledge

Electronic Communication Extends the boundaries of the classroom Extends the boundaries of the classroom Learners can communicate with experts in the field Learners can communicate with experts in the field Learners have time to reflect before responding Learners have time to reflect before responding

WebQuests in Science Information in this presentation adapted from Kathleen Schrock’s slide show available at

What is a WebQuest? An problem solving, decision making or inquiry-oriented activity in which some or all of the information that the students interact with comes from resources on the Internet.

Two Types of WebQuests Short Term: designed to be completed in one to three class periods. Long Term: designed to be completed in one week to one month.

WebQuest Components Introduction Task Procedure Resources Assessment or Evaluation Conclusion * See 2Learn site for an alternate format.

Other WebQuest Components Incorporates group activities Includes role-playing for learners Single discipline or interdisciplinary

Introduction Orients the learner to what is coming. Raises some interest in the learner through a variety of means.

Task Includes a description of what the learner will have done by the end of the activity. The task could be a product, verbal presentation or a combination of both.

Procedure Contains clearly described, numbered steps. Identifies to the learner the process to go through to accomplish the task. Can also provide learning advice.

Resources Includes a list of Web pages which the instructor has located that will help the learner accomplish the task. May include resources not available on the Internet, such as textbooks, newspaper/magazine articles and videos. Not all resources will be used by all.

Assessment or Evaluation Used to measure results from the task and also the learning process. Rubrics designed by the teacher will be the most authentic assessment. Rubrics can take different forms.

Conclusion Brings closure to the activity. Reminds the learner about what they’ve learned. Encourages the learners to extend the experience into other domains. Can ask for personal reflection.

WebQuest Examples Ewe 2: A Case Study – – e2/ Hello Dolly: A WebQuest on Cloning y/main.htm Hello Dolly: A WebQuest on Cloning Exploratorium: Global Climate Change Research Explorer ate/index.html Exploratorium: Global Climate Change Research Explorer

Gizmos This has nothing to do with Webquests! A resource for you to use during student teaching – –Gizmos – – – –Class Code LSUXRM5PZ3

Other Science Sites DNA Interactive eNature General Chemistry Online Creative Chemistry Grey Matters: From Molecules to Mind (UCSD) Grey Matters: From Molecules to Mind (UCSD) Nature (PBS)

Data Collection Probes Vernier Vernier Vernier Pasco Pasco Pasco