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Teaching and Technology E-Portfolio:

Internet Tools

The web can be a dynamic tool capable of assisting educators in locating exciting and compelling learning resources. Utilizing such tools allow teachers to bring education to any students, anywhere, at any time. Listed below are three modules I created for use in the library classroom.

Timeline – This vertical timeline of weekly assignments example can be incorporated into a syllabus. It was created using a free web-based tool called a Time Line Generator by TeAchnology Classroom Materials Makers.

Reflection: This product was easy to learn, fun to create, and applicable to my professional job.  The learning curve was very small and the product was extremely user friendly.  I've created similar timelines in Word to insert into my syllabus or on Blackboard in the past.  I will be using this product in the future to create similar pieces.  Additionally, I will provide links to this and some of the others listed in this module to my students who are librarians in K-12 schools.  I think this is the most important lesson I walked away with in this module -- the applicability of these links for my students in their jobs is great.

Cryptogram – This sample cataloging cryptogram was created with a free web-based tool called Puzzlemaker, available from Discoveryschool.com.

Reflection: Most of the links provided in the content section of this module was not at the appropriate level for application in graduate level classes I teach.  I chose this puzzlemaker because it was a bit more challenging from a student perspective than most programs provided.  For me, as an instructor creating the product was very simple, fast, and fun.  Honestly, though, I think I will use this more in my personal life than in teaching.

Webquest – This webquest sample integrates the web into the learning environment. It was created using Filamentality – an interactive website that guides you through creating different types of Web pages and then posting directly on the Internet. This web-based service is a fill-in-the-blank tool that guides you through picking a topic, searching the Internet, gathering good Internet links, and turning them into online learning activities.

Reflection: I've created webpages before with a lot less frustration this this product.  Initially, I thought it interesting and enjoyable to create a webquest that provided an exercise for the class, but in the end, it took more time than it would have to type out on Word or Netscape Composer and did not save most of my customization.  Adding and editing links was simple enough but I had a bit of a challenge when customizing and posting.  I had created questions for all roles under phase 2 but after posting, only the final one (MARC) was saved.  I'm sure much of it is a learning curve/operator error issue.  Still, very frustrating given the time spent on it and the quality of the final product.