Create

  Think of the best field trip you ever took with your students.  That field trip broadened
          your students' world view and enriched their lives.

  Recall too, that the field trip didn't just happen---you had to do a lot of work before and
          after to make the trip a success.

Remember how you felt about that field trip.  You probably said something like,
        "It was worth it!"

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Step 5

Step 6

Step 7

Step 1 First Things First...

1. BOOKMARK THIS PAGE!

2. Steps 1, 2, and 3, should be done in order.  Steps 4, 5, and 6, can be rearranged and
         adjusted to suit your own style.  Step 7 should be last. #3

3. For this assignment you will select the web sites that your students will visit. #4

4. Have a notebook handy as you go through the process.

5. As you go along, remember who your students are, but be careful not to underestimate
          them.

6. Also keep in mind:
  how much computer training your students have had
  what kind of computers are available for your students to use
  how much time is available to them to work at the computers.

7. Become a buddy of your Tech Coordinator and/or Librarian.

8. You might not have time for #7., so move to  Step 2.

Create Menu

Step 2What Topic?

1. Write down one topic that is your favorite thing to teach. #5

2. List three things you already do to make this topic come alive for your students.

3. Think of something that you have wished you could show them about this topic but
         haven't because:
  your schedule is too tight
  your photocopy budget is maxed
  you have never been able to find the right slide
  signing out the right AV equipment for the exact moment you need it is a pain
  a still picture just doesn't do it
  you've never seen exactly what you want in a book
  there's no room in the budget
  etc., etc., etc.,....
 

4. Maybe your dream demo (or something equally wonderful and out of reach) is just a click
         away!
        It's time for  Step 3

  Create Menu

Step 3Search Away!

1. This is the hardest part!  When you find a useful site, bookmark it, #6  and write down
         the URL with some notes about what you found.

2. Look for information, interactivity, visuals, etc., that aren't easilyfound in the existing
         curriculum for your topic.

3. While you are searching, do not try to look for 5 parts of a Semester Project!  Do that
        another day.  Aim for something simple and direct.  See a very simple model
        assignment  at #2

4. Look for inspiration in:
  K-12 education/subject-oriented directories
  education sites that provide ready made lessons on your topic #7
  directories/web sites especially designed for kids
  internet libraries and reference guides
  general directories/search engines. #8

5. Evaluating the quality of web sites is always a challenge.  There are many sites devoted
        entirely to this single issue #3   A short checklist of web site evaluation norms can
        be found at #3

6. Each site you visit will link to other sites and/or other related topics.
        Some words of advice:
  STAY FOCUSED!
  DON'T GET LOST!
  BOOKMARK THOSE OTHER SITES FOR YOUR NEXT WEB ASSIGNMENT!

7. Some useful sites can be found at

#2-K-12 education directories
#4-libraries and reference directories
#6-popular, general search engines/directories.

8. When you have finished searching, use your bookmark (you already bookmarked this
       page, right?) to get back to the top of WebTeach-Create.   Scroll down and click on
      Create Menu and go to Step 4 .  See you later!

Create Menu

Step 4 Review, Reflect, Decide!

1. By now you have the kernel of an assignment in mind.  If you don't, go back and search
         some more.

2. Look over the notes you have taken.  Identify what you can really use and write it down
         on a new page. #9

3. Revisit your chosen web site(s) to make sure that what you think is there is really
         relevant.

4. Give your assignment a name and go to  Step 5

Create Menu

Step 5 That Vision Thing...

1. The hard work is already done.  Now all you have to do is pull it together.

2. What do you want your students to do when they visit your selected web site(s):
  retrieve information
  interpret or reflect on what they see/read
  participate actively (e.g., check off forms) with site material
  other??? 
3. How much computer time will your students actually have to  do what they need to do at
         your web site(s)?

4. How will you accommodate those students who don't have computers at home?

5. How will your students work on this assignment--cooperative learning groups,
        regular groups, pairs, individually?

6. What other materials will your students need from you to complete the assignment?

7. How will you insure that your students stay on task?

8. How will your students respond to what they have experienced:
  write something
  draw/create something
  deliver an oral report
  other??? 
 9. Now, what are you going to do with what they have done?    See  Step 6

Create Menu

Step 6Follow-up, Grade?

1. Don't just "collect" the assignment; set aside class time for closure. #10

2. Since this is your first web assignment, you might wish to include time for discussion of
         your students' reactions to working with the Web:
  did they like going online
  how did they like the sites you chose
  did they find it hard or easy
  what other things do they think would be worth exploring on the web?

2. You do need to establish a rubric for grading/evaluating this assignment.  The weight of
        the grade should reflect the time and effort needed to complete the work.  What
        exactly will be graded, e.g.,points-for-parts, is up to you. #11

3. Your assignment is now perfectly clear to you.  Can you make it equally clear for them?
        Last, but not least, Step 7.

Create Menu

Step 7Hand It Out!

1. A quality assignment deserves a quality presentation.  Word process (type) your
          assignment handout.

2. Your handout should include:
  title (as interesting as you can make it)
  goal/purpose statement
  the web site addresses (URLs)
  the proverbial "due date" (if applicable)
  specific directions for what your students should do once they find the sites
  presentation guidelines
  some indication of your grading rubric.

#12

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