Additional considerations made when creating computer based objects for students to use independently.

Some things to consider when creating something like a StAIR or webquest:
1. Are the technology resources available to you are reliable? Students are to be able to do this independently. Are you going to have to keep running over to assist them due to tech issues?
2. Again, students are to be able to do this independently. Thus, each activity needs to be designed to specific students needs in order for that to happen. For any topic I cover in my 5th grade class, if I did a webquest or a StAIR, Id have to make 2 versions because I have 10 out of 30 in my class special ed and those ten have a reading level from K-2.
3. Does it support student thinking, critical thinking?
4. Is it time efficient?
5. Is it engaging and motivational?
6. Is the information relevant?
7. Are there specific learning objectives? An evaluation? Rubrics?

Webquests that caught my attention:

Totem Poles of the Northwest
http://www.southernct.edu/~ils6936/totem_poles/webquest.htm

Explorers Webquest
http://jleahy.com/files/webquests/explorers/index.htm

I selected these two because they were pretty cool and related to 5th grade social studies. Due to most of my students reading below grade level, social studies text is very difficult for them to read and comprehend. Thus anything to aide with that is always of interest to me.

CEP 811

Differences between web pages and blogs:

Obviously, you visit webpages and read news/information. There are usually different links to explore and in order to leave feedback you can maybe leave a comment somewhere or email someone. Blogs allow you to be a part of the news. You can respond to others news and they can respond to yours. Its not just you reading news and thats it. Its communication back and forth.