Mayer: The Promise of Multimedia Learning

Choose one question to answer. Responses due by 12 noon on November 3.

Question 1: Given Mayer's explanation of different kinds of active learning, give an example of a "hands-on" activity that likely would not lead to meaningful learning. Then, explain how your example activity could be transformed to support meaningful learning.

Question 2: After watching the video clip (from the Roblyer textbook DVD): "Technology Across the Curriculum: Smartboards for Students Who are Hearing Impaired," explain whether you think this video clip shows a good example of active learning that could lead to meaningful understanding. Use information from prior readings to support your argument.

Brainstorm Authentic Problems

Posts due by November 3

Using the general topic that you've chosen for your WebQuest, brainstorm at least two authentic problems that you could use to develop a WebQuest. Briefly explain why these are useful authentic problems for your chosen topic.

Web-based inquiry learning: Facilitating thoughtful literacy with WebQuests (Ikpeze & Boyd, 2007)

Choose one question. Responses due by Oct. 27, 12noon.

1. The authors discuss several benefits and challenges to using WebQuests for student learning. Summarize the important pros and cons of the WebQuest, and explain how you will minimize potential problems in the design and development of your WebQuest.

2. Choose at least two NETS-T that would be met by the WebQuest described in the article. Explain (specifically) how the NETS-T that you identified are connected to one or more of the activities implemented in the WebQuest.

Roblyer Chapter 3: Assigned Reading Posts

Answers are due by October 20th at 12 noon. Choose one question.

Question 1: Do you agree more with the criticisms or the praises of "drill and practice" software discussed in the book? Please explain when (if ever) you think that drill and practice software can help support deep understanding in the classroom. (Be specific.)

Question 2: A number of students in class have noted that they favor "hands-on" activities using technology. One example of a hands-on activity is online simulations. Explain how you could use simulations in your classroom using integration strategies discussed in the chapter while minimizing the misuse of simulations that Roblyer presents.

Creating An Evaluation Rubric

Answer the following questions:

1. Who is in your group?
2. What is in your final list of dimensions?
3. What dimensions did you drop? Why?
4. Was it difficult to create your rubric? What were your "Lessons Learned?"