Fostering Learning Through Websites, Apps, and Student Choice

Fostering Online Learning with Educational Websites and Apps 

(TNLT Chapter 6)

As teachers in the digital age, we can use various digital resources to foster online learning.  Some of the ways we can do this is through the use of educational websites and apps. Two resources that stood out to me were the following: WebQuests and Virtual Field Trips as instructional technologies (Maloy, Verok, Ruth-Ellen, Sharon, & Woolf, 2017, p. 130). 

In our class, Professor Patanio is having us create a WebQuest.  Honestly, I have never heard of a WebQuest before this class.  I don’t even think I ever had the opportunity to participate in a WebQuest when I was in school. However, I think it is an interesting method to combine instruction with technology.  If a WebQuest is made properly, then it will engage students in learning while simultaneously providing an opportunity to practice technology literacy, digital citizenship, and other ISTE standards.

So, what is a WebQuest?! I’ll tell ya! WebQuests are online “quests” that are designed by teachers to foster inquiry within their students. “In a WebQuest, students follow a digital map or take an online tour, moving from one web resource to the next to gather information and learn about a particular topic” (Maloy, et al., 2017, p. 139).  In a traditional project environment, resources may be on paper; however, a WebQuest provides preselected digital resources to provide their students with academic information as they complete their WebQuest.  Based on the quest, students will then prepare an individual or group presentation to share their findings with the class (Maloy, et al., 2017, p. 139). 

 (Image Source https://www.webquestseo.com/)

I believe WebQuests are an innovative way to design a lesson plan because it engages students in two ways. First, the teacher sets the stage based on student interest which is imperative when motivating and engaging students. Secondly, it is a multimodal activity which allows every kind of student to access the academic information.  The teacher designing the WebQuest can choose resources that are appropriate for students that are ELL, ESL, or have learning disabilities so they too can complete the WebQuest.

So, what is a virtual field trip? According to our textbook, virtual tours “take students to places all over the world without their ever leaving the classroom or school computer lab” (Maloy, et al., 2017, p. 140).   Virtual field trips can be accomplished by using multiple devices and apps like the National Geographic Nation Park app; this is a free app that allows students to explore the frequently visited national parks all the way from their classroom. Additionally, museums offer virtual field trips apps as well as Google Earth.  This is beneficial to students because they can visit places, they otherwise would never have the opportunity to go to. This not only fosters curiosity but also engages students in learning. This is also beneficial to schools and teachers because it does not involve making reservations, which could be a hassle, and most of the apps are free! So, it’s a free school trip!

Encouraging Choice to Improve Student Learning 

(Nurturing Young Innovators Chapter 4)

Technology can help promote student choice and can even provide for personalized learning in which adults and teachers can facilitate.  Furthermore, the Educator Standards states that teachers can “use technology to create, adapt, and personalize learning experiences that foster independent learning and accommodate learner differences and needs” (Taddei & Budhai, 2017, p. 67). I believe student choice is imperative for learning.  When students have a choice, they most likely choose something that sparks they are passionate about or something that sparks their interest and curiosity; this will result in a more meaningful learning experience.  The information learned will stick more with the student who chose their learning activity since it is more meaningful to them. 

(Image Source: https://www.canva.com/learn/creative-genius-quiz/)

Our textbook talks about genius hour and lists some ways teachers can ignite student passions:

           - Ask students to brainstorm topics they are passionate about or are

interested in.

- Create a space where students can collect information about the topic

they are interested in.

- Provide time to do research each week.

- Ask students to record and share their passions and plans.

- Have students share their completed project.

I feel that elementary teachers have the time to include genius hour in their classrooms since they are with the same children all day. Adolescent teachers do not have an hour to allow students to be geniuses. I mean, teachers can make time for anything, but I see genius hour working more effectively in the younger grades.