Discussion #3 Web-based Instruction

I can use the Web in teaching by letting students research topics for a paper, use a WebQuest for making travel arrangements, blog as their reflections journal, find out about the latest NASA news, learn how to bring a recycling program to their school – there are many more ways. For learning, I can use the Web to research all about my research paper topic, the latest teaching strategies, examples of projects to implement, etc.

The Good:
Virtually unlimited potential
With limited resources you can still broaden your students’ horizons
Learn from other cultures
Hands-on
Students learn to research
Students see more examples
Good for students who are more shy
Good for students who cannot always make the drive to the campus
Can ask questions and access content any time

The Bad:
Inappropriate sites
Network/server issues
Connection issues
Lack of money for equipment and to keep up with the latest
Not everything you find is true – have to weed through
Lack of personal interaction
Harder to motivate students
Harder to get to know students

Communications and Interactions Issue:
There is good and bad in this issue. On the positive side, WBI allows students who have difficulty being successful in social situations the opportunity to focus on their school work instead of the social aspect. On the negative side, the personal interaction is great to learn. The more you do it – the better you get. Students not getting it lose out on the opportunity to get practice. There is also some loss in group collaboration in WBI. It is hard to read someone in an online environment and get to know how someone thinks and will be in the group setting. Not having the non-verbal interaction in the group is difficult to overcome. However, I had to do multiple group assignments last semester and loved it – our whole class was great and especially my group. I had a great experience with it, but I do realize that many groups are not like that at all. There are issues with groups in the traditional setting also. The non-verbal communication is also lost in chat, email, and discussion. It is more difficult to convey a dry sense of humor and it may be easy to ruffle feathers.