ED636 MILESTONE #1

I marked September 06, 2006 as ED636 Milestone #1. I have learned two important teaching tools:
1) ASSURE MODEL
2) WEBQUESTS

ASSURE MODEL: I learned that this is a valuable template in making effective lesson plans. ASSURE is an acronym that stands for:
A = analyze learners
S = state objectives
S = select instructional methods, media, & materials
U= utilize media & materials
R= require learner participation
E= evaluate and revise

This method or guideline "assure" the teacher of having adequate understanding of his/her audience and of planning for the appropriate action to achieve effective teaching and learning. There is an in depth understanding of the quality of students that will receive the instruction. Having so, the lesson is design to accommodate the various competencies of the students. Thus, the classroom activity is relevant and is engaging. The teacher is confident that the students will learn in the manner they all understand.

This ASSURE model is appropriate to today's teaching strategy. It highlights technology integration into the curriculum. It is central to the ASSURE guideline. The teacher uses the available technological tools with which students are drawn to a very engaging learning experience.

WEBQUESTS: I have learned that Webquest is a teaching tool that lets students learn through a technologically thematic learning environment. It uses the Internet (World Wide Web) as a source of information from which students are guided to analyze given data inorder to achieve the learning objectives through their critical thinking skills.

Through the various internet links, I learn that Bernie Dodge and Tom March invented this inquiry oriented activity to make learning interesting and relevant. I learned that the following make up the Webquest:
1) Introduction
2) Task
3) Process
4) Resources
5) Evaluation
6) Conclusion

I had critically evaluated 3 webquests. By doing so, I was able to appreciate what makes an excellent webquest. In summary, an excellent webquest is one that achieves the learning objectives, one that is interesting and appropriate to the desired end user (student), and one that reinforces learning with critical analysis and conclusion.

Lastly, we ended the class with an overview of how to use the Livetext resource, a truly great website - a must have for every teacher who wants to integrate technology into the curriculum!