Online Learning

There are many on line learning technologies that I could use in my classroom. Webquests, and RSS Feeds are the two that I would use most often in my classroom. When using a webquest in my classroom students are able to gain more in depth content knowledge. In Social Studies there are many websites which provide great additional detail for lessons. When using a webqust students are more involved in gathering the information needed to produce an end product. Students feel more accomplished and involved when using a webquest.

An RSS Feed in a social studies classroom is very useful. Students are able to keep up with blogs, current events, and articles. These feeds would be greatly beneficial to my students. In a social studies classroom we are constantly keeping up with current affairs. By using an RSS feed keeping up with these reports is a whole lot easier.

When using web based instruction like a an RSS feed, constructivism becomes the instructional design. Students are able to discover information on their own, and are involved in active dialogues. Another instructional design that is used when using webquests is project based learning. Students perform research, develop solutions, and "defend" their solutions, as well as consider other solutions.

As with anything else pedagogical strategies are used when implementing both technologies. You can use Scaffolding when setting up a webquest. You can set up supports for the learner and then take those supports away once learning becomes more independent. Another strategy is simulation and problem solving. When using an RSS feed students interact with content they are to learn. They are to gather the information on their own or as a class.

There are however some technologies in which I would not use regularly in my classroom. Excel (spreadsheets) is not a technology that I see using on a regular basis. Spreadsheets more often than not are used for mathematical reasons. There are very few situations in a social studies classroom in which I would use Excel. Some situations in which I would use Excel are for population comparison or to teach economical situations like a family budget.

Technology will continue to grow and it is my job as an educator to introduce as much technology into my classroom as possible. Once students leave my classroom and continue on to higher education or enter the real world technology is something they will have to be versed.