The learning material from MERLOT
that I chose to evaluate is called "Social Studies: Plan a Trip Across the
World". The material may be found through MERLOT at the following web
address: http://www.merlot.org/merlot/viewMaterial.htm?id=327055
Quality of Content:
In this
learning material, the software appears to present itself with educationally
significant concepts, models and skills for the history discipline.
Potential Effectiveness as a
Teaching-Learning Tool:
The lesson plan entitled
"Social Studies: Plan a Trip Across the World" written by Christina
Greening can be used in a middle or high school history class. The material
could be used in all four stages of the learning cycle which consists of
explanation, demonstration, practice, and applying.
The learning objectives would appear
to consist of:
·
Be able to acquire historical
information
·
Be able to analyze historical
information
·
Be able to use web 2.0 technologies
to discover, create, and share information about places with historical
interest
After successfully learning with the
materials, students should be able to successfully use web 2.0 technologies to
find information, and be able to provide someone with historical information of
the student’s chosen areas.
The target learner must have been
exposed to web 2.0 technologies in an earlier class session or be familiar with
them prior to completing the lesson provided in the learning material.
The use of the software (Powerpoint,
Windows Movie Maker) and web 2.0 technologies (tripadvisor.com, expedia.com,
Google Earth, Photobucket, Pageflakes, and Wetpaint) can be readily integrated
into current curriculum and pedagogy within the social science field. Both
software and web 2.0 applications can be used in many different ways to achieve
teaching and learning goals of teachers and students.
I believe the goals for teaching and
learning are easy to recognize in the material and that good assignments on how
to use the software and web 2.0 applications can be easily written as long as
the author has a strong background in the technology applications as well as
incorporating technology into the field of education or training.
Ease
of Use:
The learning material does not
require much documentation. Since computer access is needed to complete the project
in the learning material then technical support may be necessary for computer
problems that an average user would not be able to troubleshoot without the
assistance of a professional. Most students may need instruction in the use of
web 2.0 applications.
The material presents information
through the software and web applications which are attractive to students due
to their desire to use technology in their learning process and growing familiarity
of technology devices in the classroom.
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