Chapter 12: The Internet: Moving Toward Web-Based Learning Environments

Syllabus Helpers

The chapter is organized around several themes: student experiences with the Internet (powerful activity structures for using the Net), telecommunications projects and student inquiry(case studies and examples of internet-based projects that involve students in authentic inquiry), and Internet-based science activities (the nuts and bolts of designing Web-based science activities).

Pedagogical Tool
Highlights/Content
Notes

Initial Case Study

Web-Based Teaching, Just Another Progressive Education Fad?

A science teacher questions a science education researhers assertion that the Web might be one of the keys to reforming science education.

Invitations to Inquiry

Focus questions for the Chapter, p. 441

Key questions inviting your students to learn about the Internet and science teaching.s

Inquiry Activities

Inquiry Acitivity 12.1: Designing Web-Based Science Activities

Inquiry 12.2: Network Science---Exploring Online Projects

Inquiry Activity 12.3: Designing a Web-Based Science Activity

Using Web-based tools to create a science activity

Analyzing the attributes of four online science projects

Using the constructivist rubric to create an online science activity

Web-Based Tools

Details for the Tools:pp.443-447, which include

  • Interpersonal Tools
    • Key Pals and Global Classes
    • Telementoring--Experts
  • Information & Collection Tools
    • Pooled Data Analysis (Network Science)
    • Virtual Field Trips
  • Problem Solving Tools
    • Social Action Projects
    • The Virtual or Online Classroom

These tools provide the basis for the development of multiple ways to use the Internet for face-to-face or Web-based teaching.

Telecommunications Projects
  • Attributes of Projects
  • Case Study: The Global Lab Project
  • Other Projects
    • Global Think Project
    • Hands-On Universe
    • GLOBE

A section on Network science in which the attributes, implications and examples are discussed

The Online Classroom

Online Activities, pp.453-455

  • Using Web Resources
  • Webquests
  • Constructivist Web-Based Activities
  • Guest "Speakers"
  • Cross-Cultural Exchanges

Suggestions for activities if you are using the Web to establish either a complete or hybrid learning environment.

Sample Lessons

Sample Lesson 12.1: Mission to the Blue Planet--A Terrafirma Inquiry

A template for a Web-based inquiry lesson (an online version also available). The lesson content focuses on earth science phenomena.

Think Pieces

Sample Think Piece: Make a list of the benefits and drawbacks of moving toward an online teaching environment. Where do you stand with regard to the value of online learning for the secondary science classroom?

This an other think pieces encourage thoughtful consideration of the use of the Web in science teaching.

Science Teachers Talk

Teachers discuss: How do you use technology (including the Internet) in your science class? Why do you, and what do you see as the benefits for your students?

An interesting discussion of how teachers from four different countries use technology and the Net in teaching.

Problems and Extensions

Sample Problem and Extension: Discuss the implications of usingc the Web to make your teaching environment a "global classroom." What do you think will be the outcomes and benefits for your students and colleagues?

You'll find six P & E's that you can use as classroom activities, online experiences, or for discussion.

Readings

pp. 462-463

Key Internet readings to expand the horizons of your students.

On the Web

p. 463

A few key sites are listed here. I've added many more in the Agenda Strategies and Projects for this chapter.