Technological Concepts

WebQuest- A WebQuest is a user-friendly lesson format in which all or most of the information used by the learners comes from within web. This model was developed by Bernie Dodge at San Diego State University in February of 1995. This was created with early input from fellow friend Tom March of the same university. Many upon thousands of teachers have begun using WebQuest as means of communication and interaction to engage their students in learning. This model is also beginning to be worldwide. To learn more about this, feel free to click HERE to go directly to the main page.

Concept Map- A concept map is an easy way for students to visually map out what it is they are learning and regurgitate it in a manner that they can easily follow and understand. You can start using this concept while they’re little by just having them put things into different classifications with columns and then as they get older start using more in depth versions of this like webs and circle charts. To learn more about this, feel free to click HERE to go directly to the main page.

Crossword Puzzle- Crossword puzzles are a fun and easy way to get students interested in learning. They will assume that you are giving them a “fun day” of class when really it’s just as educational if used appropriately. For more information on this or if you need help getting started, click HERE.

Web 2.0- This is the “new age” of technology. Basically, it is the updated version of the internet and I’m sure that most everyone has experience parts of it including the above concept maps and also blogging, GoogleDoc, and many more. These tools will be able to help students to further their education on things and give them many options as to what they can use to reference. Click HERE for more information.

Digital Storytelling- Digital storytelling is combining the age old art of telling stories with access to technology that is easy to learn and use. Since stories have been used throughout history to relay information and keep tales around, what better way to make them easier to retell than with the use of doing it digitally. With digital storytelling students can access the information and replay it again and again to recap what they have learned and there is no limit to how many times you can hear it. Students can now listen, see, and learn rather than listen and learn. Need to know more? Click HERE.

Virtual Field Trip- Virtual field trips are easy ways to take your classroom on a “trip” without actually going anyway. They are able to access many different locations and get a feel for the way they are without actually going there. This could be helpful on projects the students might have about things and answer their questions as to whether or not they would want to go there in person. Click HERE for more.

Blogs- A blog is an easy way for people to communicate with eachother. This could be great for classroom use so that teachers and students can openly and freely comment on things with eachother while at home or at school. Everyone could have access to what they say and be able to comment on it. It could be great for open ended classroom discussions and ideas. Blogs in plain English, HERE.

MultiMedia- Multimedia is basically bringing technology into the classroom. Students could use Power Point Presentations created by the teacher or other people, commercial software used for reference, or activities that directly connect the students to the software. This could also bring in our above stated concept maps along with spreadsheets, digital movies, and projects. To learn more, click HERE.

PodCast- A podcast is almost like a blog where anyone can broadcast something and many can view it at their own time. This is an easy way to keep in touch and/ or share things with others. Click HERE for podcasting in plain English.

YouTube- This site could be a good way for students to learn about things, but since anyone can post on it, you may also have to watch what your students are getting into especially if using it during class. There are many fun ways of learning to keep students interested on here, and there are a lot of good things to be used. http://www.youtube.com/ is the place!

Wiki- A wiki is much like a blog or a podcast, and a lot faster than email. The way wiki differs is that many people and go in and edit or change things so that the others see it and you can use it to coordinate things, make lists, or just plan fun things together. This sight makes it easy for everyone to get involved and keep things simple. Wiki in plain English, HERE.

Google Apps- This is service from Google featuring several web applications with similar functionality to the traditional office suites like Gmail and Google calendar. Yet another means of communication with others.

Google Docs- This is a free, web-based word processor, spreadsheet, and presentation application obviously offered by Google. You can create and edit documents and online and access them whenever. It’s almost like Microsoft Word and Spreadsheets.