the teacher librarian as resource creator: developing learning websites
DESCRIPTION
Presentation to the ECIS Librarians Conference in Istanbul on 14 May 2011TRANSCRIPT
The teacher librarian as resource creator: developing learning websites
Dr James E HerringCharles Sturt University
Wagga Wagga Australia
Learning websites defined
A learning website is:Developed in a particular school, for a particular
group of students, who are studying a curricular topic
Focused on the needs of students in that school
A site which students use, not only to access resources, but to learn
Owned by the students, teacher librarian and teachers in that school
Web 2.0 tools - wikis
Wikis are easy to use:
Input content into blank page and save pages
Content can be text, graphics, sound and video
Can include student input/feedback
Examples – Wikispaces, PBWorks and Wetpaint
WebsitesMuch simpler formats than before
Have the same capacity as wikis re content
Need more planning than wikis
Examples Webs, Weebly and Yola
Learning websites - content
In terms of content, a learning website might include:
Introduction to a specific audience
Keywords and definitions
Subject context and content
Information literacy guidance
Mediated resources which accompanied by meaningful annotations
Introduction
Keywords and definitions
Subject content
Information literacy guidance 1
Information literacy guidance 2
Information literacy guidance 3
Resources and meaningful annotations
Pathfinder = list of resources. Students are then on their own?
Resources need to be annotated – this is not spoon feeding!
Resources need to be meaningfully annotated – a guide to help students use resources more effectively
Annotations need to be differentiated where possible
Annotations 1333.79 JAKJakab, C. (2007) Energy use. McMillan, South Yarra, Australia Essential facts are provided in this well set out resource on how the
environment is seriously being threatened and solutions are offered for a sustainable future. Provides information on alternative energy supplies (Activity 4). Questions are raised and you are made to think about the future. Interesting reading and a useful glossary.
BBC Schools Website School Science Clips Changing Circuits
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/scienceclips/ages/10_11/changing_circuits.shtml
This fun website is to be used with Activity 2. There are three sections in Changing Circuits. 'READ' has simple yet interesting information and also diagrams and symbols used in circuits. You should complete this activity and then progress to 'PLAY' the colourful interactive activity where you must move parts to create different circuits. Finish with 'QUIZ' which can be printed out with your score. Activities are available at different levels to suit a range of abilities.
Annotations 2 Website: Alternative Energy Sources. It can be found at:
http://saveenergy.about.com/od/alternativeenergysources/a/altenergysource.htm
In the opening paragraph of this article, Jeffrey Orloff gives some information about why we need to explore alternative energy sources. Next there is an explanation of sources of alternatives, which begins with a fairly concise definition of each one. An adult level of language is used in this site. Research tip: Use your website evaluation sheet to explore this site. How do you know if this author has credibility? What could you do to find out? What is About.com? How can you tell if it is considered to be a reputable source of information?
Energy kids (2006) Energy Australia. http://www.energykids.energyaustralia.com.au/This site is easily located on the school intranet and ties in with the
Electricity and safety kit, 2002 (363.1ELE). This is a fun interactive site produced by Energy Australia in 2006 and it includes a comprehensive glossary. Search the site for information on your project and use the PLUS model questions to keep you on track.
Some final thoughtsLearning websites are what you, your students
and your teachers make them collaboratively
They are one way of enhancing student learning
They save students’ time by eliminating aimless searching
Evaluate your sites – ask your students to suggest improvements
Where possible, publish your sites on the web
Questions?