Saturday, January 12, 2013

WebQuest.Org - http://webquest.org/index.php

What is a WebQuest? February, 1995, Bernie Dodge of the San Diego State University together with a colleague from SDSU/Pacific Bell Fellow Tom March, the Educational Technology staff at San Diego Unified School District, developed this web model. A WebQuest is an inquiry-oriented lesson format containing information from the web that learners work with. The use of this model has been Brazil, Spain, China, Australia and Holland (HTTP://WWW.WEBQUEST.ORG/) There are different parts in the web quests namely: the introduction, task, process, resource (optional), evaluation, conclusion, credits and references and teacher page. Why use WebQuest? There are some advantages in using this internet tool in your classrooms. Some of them includes: Good webquests pose open-ended questions, the level of scaffolding in webquests, students assume the role that allows them to investigate an issue through their view, students can gain access to webquests sites at home so they can work on the task at home, it’s something different and students can work at their own pace, so they don’t feel pressured to complete the task. One of the conveniences of using this internet tool is that you do not necessarily need to create your own, but you can use some of the available webquests created by other educators. http://its.guilford.k12.nc.us/webquests/mapadventure/map.htm http://academics.uww.edu/cni/webquest/Fall03/wellness/index.html http://osr.org/en-us/articles/space-webquest-resource-page/ http://its.guilford.k12.nc.us/webquests/quilts/quilts.htm http://projects.edtech.sandi.net/king/authorexpert/ http://projects.edtech.sandi.net/hawthorne/platetectonics/t-index.htm

Prezi - http://prezi.com

Are you tired of using and seeing the same format when presenting? Why not try prezi? Be creative and provide “cinematic” and “engaging” experience to your audience. With its 3D effects, prezi can transform your simple boring presentation into a more exciting one. Prezi is available in your iPad or iPhone even in the cloud and in your desktop. Navigating through your presentation is as easy as zooming in and out which takes your audience into a “spatial journey” as you are showcasing the details of your information. With prezi, you have the convenient of working online or offline. Running out of time all the time? Prezi can help you with that. You can showcase your products and share your ideas with the world using the Prezi for teams. You can collaborate with up to 10 people across the globe to create, share and present ideas without leaving your office. This feature of prezi does not only saves you time, but is also cost-effective compare to travelling around the globe and spend for your plane tickets, hotel accommodations and meals.

Learn Out Loud - http://www.learnoutloud.com/

As everyone is into all kinds of technology, the best way to reach out to them is also through technology. In 2005, LearnOutLoud.com was introduced to the public with the intention of showcasing the best audio & video learning content on the Web. As a special education teacher, I am excited to know more about this website since my students with disabilities would benefit from it. Any forms of technology will make it easier for individual with disabilities to be exposed with various media forms such as the internet. The website promotes learning through the use of audio and video. Audio book downloads, podcasts, YouTube, free colleges courses are some of the online products that are coming more popular. LearnOutLoud.com is your online one stop shop with just a click away. No need to waste time travelling, or lining up at the stores to get materials needed for learning. You can just do it at the convenient of your own home. Although the site has a catalog of over 30,000 of the best audio books, podcasts, free downloads and videos to choose from, there is a section in the site that is very popular due to its free audio and video directory featuring 5,000 free audio books, courses, lectures, interviews, speeches and much more. You may also want to check out the Podcast directory which offers over 2,000 audio and video podcasts which are useful tools for learning. You have the options to buy those amazing products, but also could avail of the free stuffs they offer. Guess what? There is more that this website offers. You can also check out the Kids.LearnOutLoud.com, designed for kids and teens. If you want to avail products on a discounted rate, try to be a member and enjoy saving on your purchases of videos and audios. Want to be updated of the latest videos and audios available? Then subscribe to the BlogOutLoud and be updated of what is new and hot in terms of audios and videos.