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Lessons Learned and Guidelines for Project Implementation

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Appendix

Project-based Learning and Other On-line Teaching Resources

As we've seen, Internet-based resources can be used in a variety of ways:

There are many other exciting ways in which the resources of the Internet can be incorporated into projects. These integrated activities are known by many names: webquests, problem-based learning, and project-based learning, to name a few. These can be constructed by learners, instructors, and large education agencies. They can be limited or broad in scope. For some definitions and examples of the use of the Internet in teaching applications, look at:

A Brief Definition of Applications from Blue Web'n
<http://www.kn.pacbell.com/wired/bluewebn/apptypes.html>

Problem-based/Project-based learning activities using the Internet:

To use the Internet to its fullest potential in integrated instruction, many lessons have been developed that rely upon project-based learning/problem-based learning. This allows for the integration of many skills (critical reading, math, writing) into the context of real-life situations. Sound familiar? There are several ways to find such projects on the Web. Let's take a look at two examples, and then search a website for another.

1. For an outstanding example of problem-based learning, please look at NASA's Classroom of the Future site, Exploring the Environment. <http://www.cotf.edu/ete/main.html> This site uses remote sensing data to assist learners as they deal with environmental issues. You may wish to look at one of the two weather issues to begin--"Weather or Not?" You can reach this module from the ETE page, or go to <http://www.cotf.edu/ete/modules/weathernot/weathernot.html>

2. A second site is an “Internet-based learning adventure” that also uses real data. Please evaluate “Journey North: Engaging Students in a Global Study of Wildlife Migration”. Choose one animal to investigate. <http://www.learner.org/jnorth/>

3. Now, please find another application of Internet-based resources, keeping in mind the responses we received from the needs assessment of staff and learners in our programs. Use the applications table at this site to find an appropriate Internet-based learning activity. Plan to share that information with the rest of us.

Blue Web'n Learning Applications: A Library of Internet-based Instruction
<http://www.kn.pacbell.com/wired/bluewebn>

On-line Resource for Teachers:

There are many other sites with lists of resources for teachers. Almost all of these are considered to be references for the K-12 educational community. Please evaluate one of these sites. Check out lessons/activities in math, writing/language, and at least one other of the following: science, social studies, literature. As you do so, keep in mind some of these questions:

Does the site have a subject index?
Is there a rating system or some annotation of the recommended resources?
Does the site have a search feature?
How applicable to adult literacy programs are the lessons/activities/projects?
How easy is it to navigate around the website?

1.   On-Line Educator: (temporarily shut down in 1999) <http://ole.net/ole>
2.   Teachers@Work site: Over 1,000 Internet sites reviewed by educators in New Zealand. Don't be alarmed by the age listed--this is for form, not years of age or grade level. <http://teachers.work.co.nz/>
3.   Kathy Schrock's Guide for Educators: <http://discoveryschool.com/schrockguide/>
4.   Busy Teachers Website: <http://www.ceismc.gatech.edu/busyt/>
5.   Community Learning Network--Network Nuggets:
      <http://www.cln.org/lists/nuggets/nug_index.html>
6.   Library in the Sky for Teachers:
      <http://www.nwrel.org/sky/>
7.   Heritage OnLine:
     <http://www.hol.edu/main/resource.htm>
8.   The Online Classroom—Teaching with the Internet, by Dr. Cotton
     <http://www.csuchico.edu/educ/3toc.index.html>
9.   Study Web “...over 118,000 research-quality links, categorized and reviewed”
     <http://www.studyweb.com>
10. Rivendell Educational Archive: <http://www.watson.org/rivendell/index.shtml>

Specific Subject Guides:

1. Purdue On-Line Writing Lab (OWL):
    <http://owl.english.purdue.edu/>
2. National Geographic Society-Geography Education Program:
    <http://www.nationalgeographic.com/ngs/geo_ed/geoed9.html>
3. The Math Forum:
    <http://forum.swarthmore.edu/>
4. History/Social Studies Web Site for K-12 Teachers:
    <http://www.execpc.com/~dboals/boals.html>

Guidelines for lessons/activities using Internet-based resources:

Review your site's Acceptable Use Policies for computer/Internet use (or develop your own), and post these by your computers. Review these guidelines with learners.

Organize lessons beforehand and have a lesson guide available (on paper) for learners to follow. It is important for people new to the Internet to have a paper copy of directions and assignments to take with them to the computer. This increases the comfort level of the new user.

Try the lesson/activity first to see the potential roadblocks as well as the possibilities for amplification.

Always have lessons/activities with a definite purpose or goal. Otherwise, class time may be wasted cruising the information superhighway without a plan.

Have learners work in pairs whenever possible. The Internet provides the opportunity for a lot of interactive lessons, so having two people working on the lesson extends the communication and interaction.

Warming Up

The Starting Block

Scenery

Catching Your Stride

The Press Conference