The other class that I am taking this semester is English 510, Computer Methods for Language Teaching. For our final project we are to create a Web-based teaching unit. Already in the class, we have been working on creating websites. I have had more than enough lessons to realize that creating webpages is difficult! However, I'm wondering if it is because of the program that we are required to use. We are required to use Adobe Dreamweaver CS4. This program is extremely complicated and I am not sure it is worth a teacher's time to create webpages through this program. After seeing the other programs for creating teacher websites, which we have touched on briefly in class, I am wishing that I could use a different program. I see the benefit of creating units for students to learn online, but I'm wondering when teachers find the time to create their own.
For my web-based teaching unit, I am using a curriculum that is already in place in our district called Text Talk. This is a read-aloud curriculum which teaches students tier 2 vocabulary words. So far, I am planning to have the unit go something like this...I will start out with an introductory page of the cover and a brief summary of the book, then go to an author's page with a brief introduction to the author. Then, I actually plan on using the online video software to create a read-aloud of the book. After the read-aloud I made 2 of the vocabulary activities into online quizzes using Hot Potatoes. I thought about creating a game after the read-aloud also. I would be interested to see if anyone had any suggestions on how to make this web-based teaching unit even better and more usable for the students. I guess I should mention also that the unit is for 2nd graders!! So, I am trying to keep in mind the level of the students also. Please share any suggestion you have, especially if you have experience creating webpages :)
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I feel for you! 510 has its reputation. I took a totally different version of 510 last semester. Instead of Dreamweaver, quite a list of open source software were introduced. We completed 5 major projects in one semester, which had been a fascinating journey for me advancing into the technology world. I think Dreamweaver is a fairly sophisticated software, with which you can create a website from scratch. Yet, as you have mentioned, it's taking a lot of time to learn how it works. Instead, we were using Google Site to create a web-based teaching unit, which is a lot more accessible for teachers to learn. Other than the tool, I have also been working on creating web-based unit to teach L2 pronunciation and listening at university level. For 2nd graders, I think it would be interesting for them to record their own reading of the book (or part of the book) or to retell the story in their own words depending on your objective, which can be included on web pages. Good luck with your web-based teaching unit. It should be fun!
ReplyDeleteWhat cool ideas you both have! I love the idea of students recording their own retell of the book. I am wondering if you could also someway post pictures/writing samples that students have drawn or written in response to the story. Then students could view the pictures and respond the each others work. I have no idea the capabilities of the program, so this may not work, but I think it could be interesting.
ReplyDeleteI have seen Text Talk being used and really like the strategy, but often find that the repetativeness (if that is even a word) can often be boring to the children. I think something online and with interaction would be an awesome spin on it. Great job!
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