Learning+Indicators+and+Best+Use

**Investigating Engaged Learning with the Best Use of Technology**   The web quest I selected for review is “Technology Meets Multiple Intelligences by Lorna Rotter, Gila Bend High School.” It is targeted at adults and was published at Questgarden.com.  Ms. Rotter’s goal is to guide the participant through the process of:    The teacher has provided the scenario, a task, and organized the webquest in a way that guides the student through the process of learning the material in a self paced but targeted lesson. She is not involved as an actual facilitator, but the medium used facilitates learning. There are pages for Introduction, Task, Process, Evaluation, Conclusion, and Credits. The process page is organized into six steps which systematically guides the user through the exploration of what multiple intelligences are and how to develop a lesson plan which uses technology to best accommodate the learning styles of a groups of students.
 * 1) Identifying which multiple intelligences are most prevalent among a group of students.
 * 2) Creating a chart or graph that displays the results from gathered data.
 * 3) Learning more information regarding each multiple intelligence and specific attributes and characteristics people can have from each one.
 * 4) Deciphering which technology resources best fit each multiple intelligence.
 * 5) Identify how technology is used and supports the learning of students of various multiple intelligences by previewing sample lesson plans and activities.
 * 6) Designing a lesson plan appropriate for a classroom environment that integrates the multiple intelligences with the use of technology.

<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 160%;"> The web quest is based on a scenario which will challenge the participant to apply what is learned about the disciplines of learning theory and technology to solve a real problem best meet the needs of students by providing a variety of lessons using various teaching methods. The author of the web quest poses the following questions: <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 160%;">
 * 1) What do you think are the most prevalent multiple intelligences found in your student body?
 * 2) How can you best meet your students' needs through technological means?
 * 3) How can you incorporate all of these ideas in order to enhance your teaching abilities and your students' learning?

<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 160%;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">The student’s assessment is based on the degree to which the produced components demonstrate a grasp of the concepts and the application of the concepts to a real situation. The assessment will help students judge whether the end product meets the expectations of the teacher. It can also serve as a means for the student to judge what level of implementation of the methods meets his or her individual goals. The product components to be assessed are: <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 160%;">
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">a graph displaying the multiple intelligences of a group of students
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">a lesson plan which contains a description of identifiable student objectives and activities which reflect the use of the multiple intelligences and technology at the beginning level of performance.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">the incorporation of technology
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">assessment plan
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">completion of a lesson plan evaluation, to determine if it incorporates multiple intelligences and technology, using a Walter McKenzie lesson plan evaluation form.

<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 160%;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">The teacher engages the student with applicable questions, concepts, and tasks. The order is not strictly controlled, but some steps must be accomplished before others. Students may construct their own interpretations of the value of the content for their situation. <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 160%;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">The students are exploring concepts, doing research with the guidance of the lesson, and producing material that can be used to enhance their effectiveness and productivity in their jobs. One difference between this learning experience and a traditional one is that the teacher is not available to answer questions, or be a co-learner or co-investigator. Another is that the students can cover the material at their own pace and in the order that suits them. Although a framework and organizations of content is provided, learning is self directed. It is a knowledge building environment which allows learners to decide how the content will be used.

<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 160%;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">This lesson and the referenced resources are accessible via the Internet. This project would not be available to as many people if not for the Internet and web quest matrices. The resources would not be easily accessible either. Technology is also one of the primary topics of this project. In order to thoroughly understand how multiple intelligences and technology can be incorporated into lesson plans, users will have to explore the recommended technologies. One weakness of this web quest is that the references to current technologies and software were not up-to-date. The types of learning and types of technology applications could be determined by those familiar with current technologies but would not expose others to the best possible tools available.

<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 160%;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">This project incorporates many aspects of engage learning, but is could be improved with some others. This is not a collaborative project. It would be more interesting if the graphs and lesson plans were published and shared with others. Getting feedback and discussing ideas with others who participated in the project would make this project more engaging. It would also add a heterogeneous element by providing the opportunity to for groups of students from different background and levels of experience to work with each other. Multiple perspectives would enhance the value of the lesson.

<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 160%;"> <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 160%;"> <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 160%;"> <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 160%;">