Class #2 Assignments

Assignment 1: WebQuest

I selected a WebQuest about the Early Civilizations of the Americas: Aztec, Maya, and Inca cultures. The Task was clearly presented in order to be solved by a group of 4 students. Each one would be involved in investigating about related topics with reference to each of the cultures mentioned above. Doing the task this way, would give them all a better understanding of the commonalities or differences between them. I was a bit disappointed with the resources page that contained hyperlinks that no longer existed. The group has to present a Magazine using Microsoft Publisher. Another section that needs to be refined is the Evaluation part. There are two rubrics that assess content and technical skills. However, I found that there were some descriptors that were repeated in both rubrics. In the content rubric the outcome of the work is referred to as a presentation, when it is actually a News Magazine that they are requested to do. I would change it to publication instead. Words used in the evaluation rubric refer to a "student", but if the work is evaluated as a group, then it should say something like "students". It is an interesting task since it deals with many controversial social issues in which youngsters in 10th grade Social Studies classes can learn a lot from.

Assignment 2: WISE
In this particular learning environment, I used the Earthquakes project to get a better understanding of the sort of tasks set using a web-based inquiry science environment. One of the reasons why I thought this online tools may be more appealing to students is simply because they get to deal with real world evidence and analyze current scientific controversies. The whole idea is centered on an online environment where students can take notes, discuss theories and organize their arguments. At the same time, teachers can grade work on the web based on what each student does individually and as a group. The other aspect I found different from the WebQuest is that the assessments are different. While WebQuests tend to have a summative type of assessment using a rubric, WISE focuses on formative assessments in the form of tests with multiple choice type of questions as well as open-ended questions that require students to write their answers in full sentences. I liked the structured activities and the relevant information presented for all levels of interest. In other words, differentiation can be achieved by providing links to more advanced information for those that are interested in learning more. During the activities, students are asked to reflect and take notes of their thoughts. Personally, I think this is a great way to train students to become methodical in their work and take the time to think about the things they are learning. These notes can later be used by the teacher to have a clear vision of how students have progressed during the activity. This web-based environment is free and it promises to develop problem solving skills through inquiry-based learning.

Assignment 3: www.surveymonkey.com

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