choosing and using web-based learning tools dr. robin kay uoit oshawa, canada
TRANSCRIPT
Choosing and Using Web-Based Learning Tools
Dr. Robin KayUOITOshawa, Canada
UOIT
• Started in 2003 • 6000+ Students• Laptop based university
• Masters Program – Virtual or Synchronous
One request
•If you have a question, problem, concern please jump right in at the moment
•OR post a comments at todaysmeet.com/WBLT
How often do you use computers in a significant way with your class?
Go to: PollEv.com
So what prevents you from using computers with your class?
1. In pairs, make a short list and post response at todaysmeet.com/WBLT
Web-Based Learning Tools
•Access▫Easy access – web-based
•Time▫Easy to Learn
•Software▫Always up to date / Mostly predictable▫Targets specific concepts
•Problems▫Fewer problems
Web-Based Learning Tools
Information Tools
Production Tools
Collaborative Tools
Interactive Tools
Web-Based Information Tools
•Video Podcasts (e.g. Khan, Teacher Tube)•Pinterest (personal resources)•Scoopit (personal resources)
For more information go to: http://mathtechtoolsuoit.wikispaces.com/
Web-Based Production Tools
•Google Docs – Create and share documents
•Prezi – Presentation software•Jing – Create you own video•Animoto•Concept Maps•Glogster•Padlet
For more information go to: http://mathtechtoolsuoit.wikispaces.com/
Web-Based Collaboration Tools
•Wikis – Create websites in groups•Blogs – Comment on anything in groups•Pirate Pad – Sharing Ideas•Google Hangout (Virtual Meeting)•Twitter
For more information go to: http://mathtechtoolsuoit.wikispaces.com/
Web-Based Interactive Tools
“Interactive tool that supports the learning of a specific concept”
Examples of Interactive Tools
•Distance Time
•Nets, Surface Area, Volume
•Go to http://kayuoitpres.wikispaces.com/ to play – 5 minutes for each one
Agenda- Web-Based Learning Tools
1. Finding WBLTs
2. Choosing WBLTs
3. Using WBLTs
Finding Web-Based Learning Tools
Where do you go?• Gizmos (free for Grades 7 to 12)• Math Tools• nrich• NCTM Illuminations• Browse Interactives• National Library of Virtual Manipulatives• Interactivate (Shodor)• Online Math Manipulatives
Playtime
•Go to kayuoitpres.wikispaces.com/▫Finding WBLTs
• Find one that you like▫Post at http://todaysmeet.com/WBLT▫Type Liked <web address>”
• Find one that you did not like▫Post at http://todaysmeet.com/WBLT▫Type Did not like <web address>”
How do you choose?
What features do you like?• Post at http://todaysmeet.com/WBLT
What features DON”T you like?• Post at http://todaysmeet.com/WBLT
Current Research on Choosing WBLTs•2500-3000 students•3 school boards districts•150-200 teachers•Attitudes & Learning Performance•Came up with a list of features that lead
to good results …
Features …
1. Easy to use2. Colour & look3. Multimedia (Video, Images, Audio)4. Design (Does it make sense?)5. Interactivity6. Enhances Learning7. Context/Theme8. Instructional Wrap
Final Thoughts on Choosing
•Unlikely to find the perfect tool•You can overcome flaws with a good
instruction wrap
•Ease of use is critical•Engagement is a good idea•Focus on a specific concept•Focus on your Learning Goals
Questions
It takes time to plan the kind of questions you need to use with a Web-Based Learning Tool
30-60 minutes is typical
Choose Your Tool + 3 Questions
• Groups of 3-4
• Pick WBLT from kayuoitpres.wikispaces.com/
• Come up with 3 GOOD questions based on your learning goals
• Post on Padlet at tinyurl.com/wbltpadlet
A Good Lesson with WBLTs
1. Context2. Learning Goals3. Tinyurl 4. Demo (if necessary)5. Guiding Questions6. Presentation + QA WBLTs7. Participation8. Check learning after
Context
•Why are they are using the tool?•Why is the concept learned important?•What is the big picture?
OTHERWISE•Students are confused from the start•See the WBLT as pointless
Learning Goals
•Clearly state the learning goal(s) to the students
•After using this WBLT, you should be able to :
OTHERWISE•Students can get confused and lost•They don’t know what to focus on
Use tinyurl.com or tiny.cc
To Demo or Not to Demo
•Students like to figure stuff out on their own
HOWEVER
•There may be awkward areas or weird stuff
•Take 2 minutes to point these out•If it take longer than 2 minutes you have
the wrong WBLT
Guiding Questions
•Questions that lead student toward the learning goals and target questions
•Without clear guiding questions, the WBLT is useless
•Can take 30-45 min to create
Presentation + QA WBLTs
•Graphing Patterns
•For basic concepts, younger grades (Grade 6 -10) can work quite well
•Hard to use more constructive WBLTs unless you have the basics knowledge down
Participation
•Individual Use can work well – but should be able to ask questions
•Pairs work WELL because you have conversation, a second opinion and someone to write down findings – BE CAREFUL
•Work as a class with LCD▫Pose questions and have students work in
pairs to predict or come up with answers▫Write prediction down ▫Ask students to work the WBLT, not you
Check for Learning
•Have students answer questions at the end to see if the learning goals were achieved – Are there any unanswered questions?
•Critical because there is often a sizeable disconnect between what teachers and students experience
Contact Information
Robin Kay: [email protected]
Wiki for this Session:http://kayuoitpres.wikispaces.com/