Curriculum Guide

Aim

WebTeach is a  practical tutorial for teachers who wish to create their own assignments using web resources.
 

Rationale

Many teachers do not know how to use the web efficiently; for them, the web is a confusing and time-consuming labyrinth.  Teachers cannot integrate the wealth of available web resources into their curriculum if they themselves do not know what to search for, how and where to search for it, and how to use what they've found.  This tutorial introduces teachers to the skills and strategies they need to bring the world of the web into the classroom.
 

Audience/Pre-requisites

WebTeach is intended for elementary and high school teachers and administrators who:

• can use a mouse
• have had some experience with a browser
• know how to use the "Back" button
• know how to use "Bookmarks" to create a file as well as find a site quickly
• know what a URL is and how to enter it
• know how to minimize a page
• have had little or no experience in creating their own web based assignments.

WebTeach subject matter includes:

a pre-tutorial unit on web basics for those who lack some of the web navigation prerequisites
a tutorial on search tools and strategies
a guide for developing a web assignment
a section of supplementary references and resources.
 

Learning Objectives

WebTeach enables teachers to participate in the following activities:

to learn effective search strategies and navigation techniques for dealing with any research need
to engage in a guided search and evaluation of web directories, search engines and meta tools
to use "smart search" strategies to find useful web sites for a curriculum topic of their choice
to develop their first web-based lesson.
 
 

Instructional Plan

WebTeach can be used as a facilitated workshop plan or self-guided tutorial and includes the
            following activities:

pre-module interactive exercise to diagnose the learner's level of web skills with accompanying
            instruction in areas of weakness
instruction on the importance of planned web searches
introduction to web search tools including:

•  description of types of search tools
•  analysis of similarities and differences
•  presentation of the strengths of several popular search tools

 Materials

Teachers engaged in WebTeach need access to a computer with Internet connections, a pencil and a notebook.
 

Assessment and Evaluation

WebTeach provides two activities for self-evaluation and skill assessment.  Also, questions are
            posed throughout the module to stimulate critical thinking about the topic at hand.

The culmination of WebTeach is a teacher-created web assignment.

The WebTeach team has provided opportunities for feedback through e-mail at the end of the
            Search Activity and at the conclusion of the module.
 

WebTeach Resources

Graphics:  Online

The Mining Company Web Clip Art Directory:  http://webclipart.miningco.com
A-1 Icon Archive:  http://www.free-graphics.com
The Animation Factory:  http://www.animfactory.com
Genie’s Icons:  http://www.onlinepub.net/graphics/icons/icons.html
Graphics4Free:  http://www.graphics4free.com
Iconz:  http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/1448/
WebSite Designs:  http://www.website-designs.com
 

Graphics: Software

PrintMaster Platinum 7.0. The Learning Company:  http://www.learningco.com
 

Publishing Host

WebTeach is published through the generosity of the Web Institute for Teachers server provided
           at The University of Chicago:  http://cuip.uchicago.edu/wit/99/
 

Reference Citations

Curriculum materials provided by the staff of the CUIP Web Institute for Teachers, 1999 sponsored
           by the Graham School of General Studies, The University of Chicago: http://cuip.uchicago.edu/wit/99/

Guidance of the Web Institute Alpha mentors, Esther Pullman and Nicole Zumpano
         http://cuip.uchicago.edu/wit/99/alpha/index.htm

Conversations with Elizabeth Wolfe and Sr. Maureen Fallon, S.P., co-mentors  with Linda Dernbach for "Internet in the Classroom" workshops held at Notre Dame High School for Girls, 1998-1999 academic year.
         Sr. Maureen’s web pages:
                Chemistry at NDHS4GIRLS at http://members.aol.com/Mfallonsp/newsite/newsite.html
                Teacher Web/Search Tips     at http://members.aol.com/Mfallonsp/newsite/teacher_resources.html

Harris, Judi. Virtual Architecture: Designing and Directing Curriculum Based Telecomputing.
       http://ccwf.cc.utexas.edu/~jbharris/Virtual-Architecture/  . Site Visit: July 16, 1999.
        Also available in printed form.

Williams, Robin and John Tollett. The Non-Designer’s Web Book. Berkeley, California:  Peachpit Press,
        1998.

Tutorial browser information provided by:
           http://www.teachersfirst.com/tutorial .  Site Visit:  July 17, 1999.
            http://www.lib.utah.edu/ .  Site Visit:  July 17, 1999.
 

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