After the initial discussion about 21st Century Teaching and Learning, please break into groups of two and engage in the following webquest about using digital tools and resources to engage students and increase learning in the 21st Century Science classroom. Each group member will assume a role described below then answer the questions provided for each role when evaluating the tools and resources linked further down this page. Be prepared to discuss your findings with each other and the whole group when complete.
21st Century Science Teacher: You are interested in using digital tools and resources to engage students in inquiry-based learning where they not only develop content knowledge but also practice critical thinking and problem-solving skills both individually and as a cooperative group. When evaluating the following tools and resources for use with your students, you need to answer the following questions:
- Is this tool or resource accessible in my classroom? If not, do I know how to make accessible?
- How will integrating this tool or resource in my classroom increase student engagement with the content and skills I am teaching?
- How will I manage student interaction with this tool or resource in my classroom given the access described in the answer to question 1 above?
- How will I assess student learning when using this tool or resource as a part of the learning process.
- Can students access and use this tool or resource for learning outside of the classroom? If yes, how? If no, is it critical that they be able to access the tool or resource outside of the classroom?
- Can I achieve the same student learning outcomes without integrating this tool or resource into the teaching and learning process? If yes, what is the motivating factor to use this tool or resource?
21st Century Science Student You are interested in using the digital tools and resources that you enjoy using at home and with your friends to learn about the content and skills your teacher is teaching in your science classroom. Please answer the following questions when evaluating the following tools and resources that are available for your use in school:
- Will I have access to this tool or resource in school and at home?
- How will this tool or resource engage me more personally in the process of learning new content and practicing important skills or will the teacher just use it to teach the whole class lecture style?
- Will I get time to interact with the tool or resource during or after class? If yes, how? If no, why not?
- Can I use this tool or resource to work with other students on projects both in and outside of class? If yes, how will this improve the communication process involved in working with other students? If no, why not?
- How will I be graded when using this tool or resource both by myself and with other students?
- How will using this tool or resource increase my learning?
Tools and resources to evaluate:
- Virtual Manipulatives — National Library of Virtual Manipulatives
- Computer as a Student Station — Diagnostic, Remediation/Drill/Games
Academic Skill Builders – Fun Remediation Games
Video Tutorials of Math Concepts and Processes from:
Khan Academy
also
Watch Know Learn
Teacher Tube - Smart Software – Recording/Accessing Other Teachers Activities
Smartboard Activity Sharing Site
Smartboard Software (need key from district to activate) - Using real-time data in the math classroom –
Math Projects that use Real-time Data
Google Earth Lessons - Standards: NJ Student Learning Standards
- Sites with Lesson Plans and Activities:
Illuminations
Math Forum
Real-time Data Sites to Use in Math Projects
Internet Directory for Math Teachers
Cybrary Man’s Educational Web Site