Digital Badge #K- Ch. 6. Fostering Online Learning with Educational Websites and Apps

The three main concepts that I found interesting while reading chapter 6 are:

• WebQuests. 

WebQuests are online inquiries that allow putting information about any topic together. The academic content of any topic in a WebQuest is digital. The teachers can create their own WebQuests to enhance students’ learning. On the WebQuest students can explore the information that the teacher provides, and visit the websites that were preselected for them to focus on any specific topic. I would like to incorporate WebQuests in my classroom. I believe that this online learning activity is really helpful for the students to explore their skill and learn more about a concept. A WebQuest allows the teacher to incorporate activities, informational websites, videos, interactive learning games, and more to enhance a fun leaning environment in the classroom. WebQuests provide students with the opportunity to work independently or in small group activities that incorporate research, problem solving, and application of basic skills. This teacher-created lesson guides student research using the Internet while incorporating skills such as problem solving.

• Online Learning. 

Online learning is the use of electronic media, and educational technology in education. Online learning can occur in or out of the classroom. It is convenient to distance learning and flexible learning, but it can also be used in the classroom with face-to-face teaching. Online education utilizes the Internet or videoconferencing to create learning communities. Course materials are provided on a Web site; email, forums, and chat rooms are used to interact with other students and teachers. It may take place in the classroom; and it may be performed at home, at online access centers, or at a public library. I would use online learning in my classroom, since it can enhance traditional forms of education. Online learning provides hands-on experience using information technologies and makes it easier for students to access learning and customized lessons. By combing online learning with face-to-face teaching in the classroom, the teacher can help the students to enhance their knowledge and build on their skills. I would use interactive websites, educational videos, and learning games to motivate the students and get their attention in the lessons. I believe that by incorporating online learning in the classroom can help students to participate actively in their learning, work collaboratively, develop critical thinking skills, and use different learning styles.

• Educational Websites as Teaching Resources. 

Educational websites are sources found in the internet that contains digital information designed for educational purposes for K-12 students. There are many educational websites to engage the students into interactive learning activities. The educational websites might offer several subjects for different grades, and it is the teacher’s responsibility to choose the ones that can relate to the lessons. I believe that the incorporation of educational websites in the classroom are helpful for the students to keep practicing their skills, engage them in the lessons, and have a better understanding of the subject. I would like to incorporate educational websites that provide educational games because I believe that the students learn more and are more engaged in the lesson by having a fun environment in the classroom. Some of the educational websites that I prefer are:

Funbrain

PBS Kids

ABCya.com





References:

Maloy, R., Verock-O’Loughlin, R. E., Edwards, S. A., & Woolf, B. P. (2013). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.