Inquiry+and+Research

Checklist for Authenticating Internet Info

Delicious.com This is basically a favorites list that you can take anywhere. The idea of using tags instead of folders is very helpful.

Three Minute Pause:
After completing a majority of the second series of tasks, what really strikes me is how surprisingly easy some of the sites are and how I will certainly use them in the future. I think I have put a lot off out ouf fear that it was too difficult, but that is not the case. I feel as though I will use the wikispaces a number of times in my teachings. I can't wait to learn how to embed videos in them and think of ways to use them in my classroom. The checklist for verifying info found on the web will be very useful, as will the site delicious.com. I am excited to begin to combine inquiry based teaching and technology in my classroom. I think that once I have a better foundation in using the technology, I will come up with some fun and informative projects. Projects that my students will get quite a bit out of. I don't really have too many questions at this time. I am sure they will come as the weeks go on.

Part II: After reading the first site [|Site 1], I found that it really just reinforced what has been happening in Malden over the last few years. Teachers are giving less instruction and students on a much larger role in class. They say an ideal is 30% teacher instruction and 70% students practicing inquiry based learning. Whether the percentages match up or not I know most teachers foster an environment where kids feel free to ask questions, teachers have clear objectives posted for their students, and teachers use a variety of techniques, strategies, and resources to get the content across.

Part III: I feel the second site, Site 2, is more of the same. Well thought out lesson plans, cross curriculum connections, use of many resources and strategies. All of these are the foundations of any successful classroom, not just inquiry based classrooms.