What is a web quest?

Before taking Education 350, I did not know what a web quest was or even heard of it much less. Now coming across what a web quest is, I am glad that I am embarking on it in this class.

Taken from Teachersfirst.com, a webquest is "an assignment which asks students to use the World Wide Web to learn about and/or synthesize their knowledge a specific topic".

I believe incorporating web quest into the classroom is a good idea for students to explore the web in a different manner rather than for games or free time. They are surfing the web to further their knowledge on the given topic. This also enhances their mind and open up a gateway to learn outside of the classroom.

Games & Virtual Environment

Many people may wonder how playing a game can be educational for a student’s well being. But it actually can. Students may learn problem solving, how to interact, be adaptive, and how to follow rules. Those were some of the characteristics of a computer game and how they can reflect on students. Some characteristics that contribute to players engagement is the motivational skill one will acquire to complete a level, sparks activity, ego gratification, and they learn while playing.

Some education games may include solving problems, scoring points, solving mysteries, guessing words, enduring iterations, solving puzzles and handling sophisticated problem-solving. With these entire things students can learn from education games and many more can enhance their burst for knowledge.

Virtual reality (such as the game, The Sims) has the potential for supporting effective, educational, content-based learning environment. Players are given the opportunity to learn how to raise a baby straight through adult life through the stimulation of a game. Giving them the chances to feed, shelter, pays bills and maintain a job in a real life structure, but it is just a game. As to our future of applying gaming in education will continue to grow and become an integral part of everyday classroom tools.

Which theory is based in our Technology in Education class?

In my Technology in Education class we use blogging, email, online chatting, blackboard and wiki to communicate with one another on a daily basis. From the readings I have done it has occurred to me that Dr. Dong uses Scaffolding in our class.

Scaffolding means the teacher helps the student master a task or concept that the student is initially unable to grasp independently. The teacher offers assistance with only those skills that are beyond the student’s capability.

 
The use of technology within this class is extremely good. Reason being is that we can contact one another through various forms of social networking. Such as our weekly blog, online office hours via blackboard, emailing one another and our blackboard discussions. Thanks to the numerous technologies we have in this class it plays a major role in communicating effectively.