Apply and Discover 10.1

Karena Allen - A Frog's Life

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VP5iilroUvc

 

Karena's WebQuest was very centered for her targeted age groups (1st and 2nd grade).  enjoyed the simple language ans set up as well as incorporating terms that are used by other teachers throughout the school (Must-Do and Can-Do). I also enjoyed the links and thought that they were a great use of connecting learning to life by using sites that showed frogs from their state (NH).The rubric was simple and to the point, exactly what you are looking for in a 1st and 2nd grade classroom!

My only thought is while there were several forms of assessment provided through the use of printouts, what about assessments using technology? I wonder if that is something that is not possible in her particular school or if she has just found greater success with paper print outs.

Overall I really enjoyed this WebQuest and even learned something myself!

Apply and Discover 10.1

Dawn Glidden - True Stories Told Live

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-HRzKBi_6UA

 

I really enjoyed how Dawn used technology and encouraged her students to do so as well. A great link used in the introduction (I Remember When...) is a great way to get the students thinking about topics. I also really enjoyed the idea of having "winners" and the prize being having your Pod Cast published on the school site. What a great incentive to work hard and create something that they can be proud of. 

 Also, allowing students to vote on each others  work is a great way to have group work and create a sort of "competition" in the classroom. A great tool for the age group!

Overall I really enjoyed the presentation and idea behind the WebQuest. The WebQuest did seem a little difficult to navigate, but not impossible. I would have also liked to see more of the links and pages of the WebQuest in the presentation.

Apply and Discover 10.1

Jenn Freeda - Matter

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSyQg0HuNEU

I enjoyed Jenn's opening, it was full of bright images and colors that would grab the attention of kindergartners. Including parent volunteers and simple directions is a great way to encourage the parents to participate and become active in their students learning. The videos that she uses from brainpop.com are age appropriate and fun. The fact that the students can then choose from two different quizzes and the quizzes are spoken or the students can read them is a great way to differentiate for student learning.

I also enjoyed the final project of creating pancakes! What a great visual for students to see and learn how matter changes. And what kindergartner does not love a tasty treat?! The rubric was also very positive and encouraging to the students. It was defiantly age appropriate.

Overall I really enjoyed this WebQuest. I feel that it is something that would be fun for in school and also at home.