Using Computer-Based Instructional Objects

Honestly, two weeks ago I would have had absolutely no idea what a computer-based instructional object was. To me a stAIR was something that was attached to my front porch and a WebQuest could have been an adventure Harry Potter went on. But now, my eyes have been opened and I can proudly say that I know a stAIR is a "stand alone instructional resource" that a teacher creates to help motivate and educate students using the computer to provide immediate feedback in a scaffolding format on a particular topic.
I have also learned that a WebQuest is an inquiry-based activity that students complete using online resources that have been pre-selected by their teacher to find valuable information for an authentic assignment. This allows the students to spend more time on task instead of using their time to hunt for information online.

Obviously, like all educational tools, if done properly and with forethought,these learning objects can be very beneficial and provide a great opportunity for students to use for independent study.
There are some considerations that have to be made when planning and integrating these instructional objects into your curriculum. I think two of the greatest challenges are to design these learning objects so that they will meet a wide range of student abilities and learning styles. The teacher has an opportunity to use these objects effectively to educate the lower-level students in a non-threatening way and challenge the more advanced students to do some higher-level thinking.

Of course this has to be scaffolded into the design and the plans need to incorporate a multitude of teaching strategies to keep the student engaged and motivated. There is a caution that teachers should not use these objects for rote tasks and simple thought processing. The students will tire of the activities and it won't challenge them appropriately.

Checks and balances should also be "installed" in both types of objects. The students need to be held accountable for the information and ch alleged in the tasks asked of them each step of the way. Re-teaching and re-directing are critical components to incorporate as the information is scaffolded through the learning object. This will give all of the students the opportunity to benefit from the program at their own pace.

I have found some exemplary WebQuests and posted the links above to click on quickly. They are listed under the "Great Sites to Check Out" title on this page or you can cut and paste them from below.

Title: Putting Your Math Skills Into Use!
Site: http://questgarden.com/93/41/7/091209181014/
Summary: This WebQuest is very well organized and thought provoking. The task is for the students to design their own deck on a budget. They are applying math to real world situations at every turn. I love the fact that it answers the age old question of "Why do we have to learn that?"

Title: Lewis and Clark Expedition
Site:http://questgarden.com/88/01/6/091116114213/index.htm
Summary: Again, a very well organized and thought provoking WeQuest. It takes the idea to a whole other level for the students to explore. Students are asked to be explorers and their goal is to really relate to and "become" the explorer. It's not just researching the "what" but also the "who" and "why" of the explorer.

Title: Understanding the atom
Site: http://questgarden.com/91/03/9/091113174533/index.htm
Summary: The idea is that the student has been chosen by the Museum of Scientific Discovery to create an exhibit about atoms. This topic is very abstract and most students need some hand son experience with the topic of atoms and molecules in order to understand them better. This WebQuest gets the students involved on more than on level and incorporates different learning strategies throughout.

Traditional Web Pages vs. Blogs

Traditional web pages are great when you are looking for information and facts etc. There you will find static information. However, when you are using a blog you can have connections and discussions within a community of members with similar interests. It is a great forum to share information in a safe environment with peers that can add to and comment on news that is relevant to you and your community members. This is much more personal and relevant then a traditional web page.