Collaboration Time! Treasure Hunt

 We were assigned to work with a partner to create a Treasure Hunt that will teach colleagues/teachers  about Inquiry Based Learning of the Information Processing Model.  In Inquiry Based Learning, the teacher presents a problem to students and they have to come up with their own solutions. In this Treasure Hunt, the benefits of Inquiry Based Learning are explored as well as how inquiry based learning develops students' critical and creative thinking.

 This was the first Treasure Hunt that I created and I really enjoyed working with my partner on it.  I like the concept of a the Treasure Hunt, as it provides a different way to the teach/learn model.  Instead of just receiving notes or looking up facts on each different methods of teachings, each group was responsible for one method. It was a great way to collaborate and put together valuable resources we discovered.  I enjoyed  browsing my classmates' Treasure Hunts and seeing the different ways they put it together.  In the future, I will definitely incorporate treasure hunts in my classroom, depending on the grade level. They offer a fun and innovative approach to teaching. 

Please check out my Treasure Hunt and let me know what you think!  Feedback is greatly appreciated! 

Inquiry Based Treasure Hunt

Learning is a Never Ending Journey. Webquest, "To Infinity and Beyond! Exploring the Solar System."

I had never created or worked with a webquest before so I was initially overwhelmed.  I thought that I would have to create the webquest completely from scratch.  However, after doing some research and talking with my peers that have had experience creating and working with webquests, I learned that they are not too bad and are a very powerful learning tool. There are many wonderful previously made solar system webquests that are available online that I got ideas from and modified to make my own.  

Creating this webquest, was also my first time using Pbworks.  I struggled with learning how to link pages, add pictures, videos and vokis, but after a bit of practice, I was able to get it down pat.  Since, Pbworks had become one of my favorite sites to use.

When giving the webquest, the students were very excited that they got to  work on computers.  They seemed to enjoy the premise of the webquest, the vokis and the videos.  One of my main challenges was making sure that students were exploring all of the websites that I had assigned and keeping track of time, since it was so limited. 

Overall, the webquest went over well, the students were excited and the cooperating teaching enjoyed the use of technology.  When I become a teacher, I definitely plan on using many webquests.  They allow the students to discover and explore.  Webquests contain a plethora of information that can not be found in a textbook.  

Information Processing Model: A Teacher Cannot Teach By Direct Instruction Alone!

After reflecting on the readings and video clip, it is clear that Direct Instruction cannot not be the only strategy used by teachers. Direct instruction is effective when teaching basic, introductionary information. However, Direct Instruction, does not allow students to get creative and think deeply about the material they are learning. The Information Processing Model allows students to learn through doing and experience. In your classroom you will encounter all different types of students and you cannot use one teaching strategy in isolation. The Information Processing Model allows students to first hand process and reflect on information, instead of just being rehashed facts. The best teacher takes a multifaceted approach to learning to reach all of his or her students.