Curriculum Terms and Concepts:
An Introduction

 

Unplanned teaching and learning with the web is a recipe for wasting time.
This page general information needed to begin the planning process.

Definitions

What is curriculum?

"a plan for a sustained process of teaching and learning" (David Pratt, 1997, p. 5)

What is a lesson?

a coherent unit of teaching and learning, generally designed to be completed in one class session

What is a lesson plan?

a plan for a coherent unit of teaching and learning, generally designed to be completed in one class session

What is instruction?

the execution of the curriculum, actually teaching it. Instruction doesn't always follow curriculum. It is often unplanned.

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Discussion

Discuss the following questions with a neighbor for 10 minutes.

  • How do you currently develop curriculum?
  • How can you use the web to enhance your curriculum? Give at least three examples.

Curriculum Web

What is web-based curriculum (or "curriculum web")?

    "a plan for a sustained process of teaching and learning, in which teaching and learning is facilitated with a linked set of web pages, providing explicit guidance to the learner and also providing access to selected web-based materials"

    Generally, a curriculum web includes the following web materials: 

    • a "front page" or "portal" which provides the main entry point into the lesson
    • "activity pages" which describe specific learning activities for students
    • a "teachers page" which contains information useful to the teacher, including a "curriculum guide" containing the elements listed above
    • on-line feedback mechanisms so students can communicate with the curriculum designer
    • on-line assessments so students can test their knowledge or understanding
    • links to relevant web sites

       

    What is a web-based lesson?

    a plan for a coherent unit of teaching and learning, generally designed to be completed in one class session, which utilizes the web as a medium for teaching and learning. Generally, the web page or pages will include instructions for the student, links to appropriate resources, and (occasionally), interactivity.

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Activity

Proceed to The Importance of Planning

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The contents of the Web Institute Web Site, including the On-Line Curriculum, Web Tank, and Session Notes, are Copyright 1999-2001, Graham School of General Studies, University of Chicago. No one may print, copy, or otherwise reproduce these materials without the express written permission of the Director of the Web Institute for Teachers or the Dean of the Graham School. All rights reserved.