This is expands on a comment on Scott McLeod’s blog…

Hey, am I mistaken in thinking that finally my point about talking points was heard? I see they even had an edubloggercon session about this…

Why have student create online projects like Webquests and wikis, or write on blogs?

1. Get their interest, their hearts and minds will follow:
It improves engagement, students are more motivated to learn;

2. Use it or lose it! It improves retention;
Students need to use what they are taught for it to make sense and to remember it.

3. It improves, encourages, and develops independent and group work skills;
This is preparing them for a modern work force where they will have little supervision and blurred lines of authority;
They will need to work cooperatively with others without input from a supervisor.

4. It helps them contextualize themselves (or see their place) in their community and the world;
Its a big world, and they will be a part of it.

If elaboration is needed:

What is an example of a project and the skills I would expect to see?

Example: A blog or wiki where students work in small groups on a research project.  The questions answered will include some at recall (fact) level, but will also be at the analysis level (why questions) and include a question that the students themselves develop.  They will post their results, and get comments and feedback both from peers in their classroom, and from people around the world.

Results:

1. Students will show the ability to think critically about a research question, since they will have to not only answer questions, but come up with questions of their own.

2. Students will work cooperatively with others, and learn to give and take feedback.

3. They will connect with others in their class and around the world.

But these projects should not be isolated, instead they should be part of an overall embedded use of technology in the classroom.

1. Get their interest, their hearts and minds will follow. This will increase engagement, retention, and the pace of learning.

2. Use it or lose it! This requires that time be set aside from direct instruction to allow students to create their own understanding and meaning from what they are being taught. They need to use what they learn to truly learn something.

3. No technology for technologies sake, it needs to be part of a plan to teach a concept.
Technology should be used for:
– Direct Instruction (when the teacher teaches to the whole class):
Digital projection of PowerPoint/Inspiration Mind Maps/Student work/Class notes
– Small group work: Wikis, blogs, etc. used to keep track of group discussions and other creations
– Documenting what is created and learned: Photos, podcasts, writing.
– Integrated into the curriculum and the curriculum should have technology integrated into it as well

Results will be a more seamless delivery of instruction with technology, and all the other good stuff above.