Standards

In today's day and age technology has become such a huge cornerstone of a student's life yet, as surprising as it may sound, many are not able to use the expected technology in school or in the real world. As an example, I personally had many experiences with computers and Microsoft Office during high school and so I knew a good bit. However, many of my students currently can barely navigate their way around the computer. Technology standards are more important than ever in my own classroom with my current demographic.

In trying to address the standards in my teaching I try to expose them as much as possible to technology either through demonstrations or through activities. For example, for a week I tried using Edmodo with my students to expose them to using technology for communication. The purpose was to mostly show my students what is out there and to see if it would be a viable option for use in class. We spent half a class period just exploring the site together and learning how to use it. I could have done a webquest to show them how to use it and all the features available, but I wanted to do it with them so it feels as though all of us are exploring this together for the first time. We ended up scrapping Edmodo because it was difficult to grasp for many of them.

This is an example of how I would address the standards. I would introduce a little more technology a little bit at a time to not overwhelm them and to allow them ample time to get used to the technology for a fair assessment. Afterwards, if it is generally positive, I would keep using it for multiple assignments throughout the class to keep it fresh in their mind and to allow them practice.

Other technology, such as the Internet itself, is much easier to integrate. I have done WebQuests and other Internet research activities with students to get them used to the computer and navigating the Internet. The most difficult part was making the instructions match all levels of students of mine. If a student does not understand the technology literacy needed such as "web browser" or "Excel spreadsheet" then it becomes a barrier between the student and the technology. While the goal of the activity may be simple enough with technology standards, there are other standards that may need to be met before even approaching the idea of meeting the technology standards. For example, in trying to address the legal, social, and ethical issues with technology I would first need to go over with my students what each of those terms mean. Until the students have a firm understanding of what legal, social, and ethical issues really mean, they won't be able to apply that to other areas such as technology use.

Webquest

Webquest: http://www.biologyjunction.com/cell_exploration_webquest.htm

I would use this webquest in a Regular Biology class where the students need it very simplified with illustrations.

I completed this webquest on cells myself and found some positives and negatives about this webquest. One negative I found was that instructions could be more clearer so that there is no confusion. For example, when the webquest asks the students to look at a plant cell, it doesn't specify where to go specifically. I had to look around the linked website myself to figure out where to go. If I could make edits I would specifically write out where to go. By making things easier for the students they can focus more on the learning rather than just trying to find the information. Also it will help students who get distracted easily who may get lost in the abundance of information as they try to find out where to go. I was able to figure it out after thinking about where the webquest wanted me to go, but students may not.

A positive thing about this webquest that students will find helpful is the animation and graphics accompanying the information. It really grabs their attention, which can help keep them focused on the information. Also providing the tables already for students to just fill in helps organize the information for them. All the information the students will need will then be in one place for them to study from. The quiz at the end of the webquest is also great because it checks the understanding of the students.

Overall I like this webquest, but before I use it myself for a class I would change some of the links that aren't linking correctly and to also add more specific instructions to clear up any confusion. I would also make sure to include a rubric or point breakdown so that students know how they are being graded on the webquest.