Lesson+-+Introduction+to+Web+Tools.doc

Lesson: Introduction to Web Tools

In this lesson, students will be exposed to some of the various tools that are on the Web and given information about how they can be used, personally and for learning. The Independent Activities Component of this course will include assignments using a class blog and class wiki, which will be introduced here and with direct instruction/learning activities in lessons that follow.

(Additional lessons should be added to the unit if participants themselves identify tools they would like to learn more about.)

**Goal:** Students will:
 * See examples of Web tools which can be helpful for learning
 * Identify web tools they are familiar with and / or use
 * Evaluate the potential usefulness of these tools
 * Articulate the benefits of using these tools

**__Pre-Activity:__** Assess background knowledge of the topic and identify purpose for using tools on the Web

Today we will discuss the various tools that are on the web (internet). Some of these tools will be useful for the class and distance learning components of this program.

As a whole group, small group, or pair activity, ask students to record their knowledge of and use of the “25 Top Web Tools of 2009” on the attached Student Survey Sheet.

// Note: Instructor needs to be familiar with the various Web tools listed on the sheet prior to conducting this lesson. (see teacher sheet for activity; this includes information about the web tools and how they can be classified) //

1.) Class will come back together as a whole group to disseminate the information gathered from the first activity.
 * __ Main Activities: __**

Possible questions: · What tools have students heard of? · What tools have students used already? · Have tools been helpful? In what ways have they been helpful? · What other tools (besides those listed on the sheet) do students know about and / or use?

Give class some time to discuss questions.

2.)Classification of tools:

On white board, create chart or graphic organizer to classify tools on sheet and the additional ones identified by class.

// Note: Suggested classifications: Communication, Presentation, Research and Reference, Information Storage. These are suggested to match the lessons that follow in this unit. Instructors and students can choose other categories, however, and adapt the lessons accordingly. //

3.)We will use two of these tools, blogs and wikis, in the independent component of this program. In our classification, we put blogs into the “Communication” category. This is because it is a website authored by an individual or small group of people. Authors of blogs usually express their thoughts or opinions on various topics and accept comments. Once we have a chance to learn more about this tool in class, you will be asked to use the class blog to answer questions posed by the instructor and have the opportunity to pose questions or make comments to the class about topics you wish to discuss. Assignments that are completed on the blog will be documented and the time will be credited to your independent activity component of this program.

We put “wikis” into the “Information Storage” category because it is a website that can be created and edited by a group that makes storage of information and collaboration easy. A wiki is easy to add information to and easy to edit. Once we learn about this in class, you will be asked to post assignments to the wiki. The wiki will also give us more opportunities to create independent activities with you that can be documented so you can meet the hours you need for this part of the program.

Identify the EFF Standards which will be addressed by the above activities – Convey Ideas in Writing, Reflect and Evaluate, Use Information and Communications Technology, Take Responsibility for Learning, Cooperate with Others, Plan, Read with Understanding.

4.) Identify as a group an additional plan to use these tools in the program, if desired. Then, identify EFF Standards which will be addressed by this plan. (Example: Students may wish to use Facebook to communicate with classmates about assignments or to form a community of learners. Possible EFF Standards addressed: Use Information and Communications Technology, Convey Ideas in Writing, reflect and evaluate.)

**Reflection:** For independent homework activity, students will be asked to reflect on the usefulness of using Web tools in their personal lives and for learning. Cite examples of past use or interest in using tools with examples of how these tools could be helpful in these two areas. Students can be assessed by a rubric created specifically for this assignment. If so, the rubric should be reviewed with class prior to assigning the homework. Suggested time on task credited for completion of this assignment – ½ hour.

Students could also be asked to develop a plan as to how they would use web tools in the independent component of the program. Suggested time on task for completion of this assignment – 1 hour.

**Extension 1:** Results of Poll for 25 Top Web tools can be graphed to show visual representation of data. Instructor and students should discuss data to be represented and how to represent so the findings are meaningful and relevant to the class. [M – Statistics]

**Extension 2:** Students can work independently, as pairs or as small group to research any Web tools the class or the individual is interested in learning more about. If blogs or wikis are chosen to research, instructor can integrate results from the student research into the applicable lesson plan. [W-2], [S&L – 1, 2, 3, 4]

**Adaptations / Accomodations:** Learners can be paired to take advantages of strengths and weaknesses for writing, language or math skills required. Calculators can be used for statistics in Extension 1 activity.

Teacher Copy – 25 Top Web Tools for 2009 with accompanying explanation Student Survey – 25 Top Web Tools for 2009
 * Materials Used: **

Core Standards (College and Career Readiness Standards) [CS] - W-2, gather the information needed to build an argument, provide an explanation or address a research question, S&L – 2, Present Information, findings, and supporting evidence clearly and concisely
 * Standards Addressed: **

EFF – Use Information and Communications Technology, Reflect and Evaluate, Convey Ideas in Writing, Solve Problems and Make Decisions