Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Using Glogs to Create a WebQuest

Well, I finally had to give it a try. My favorite Web2.0 tool is GlogsterEDU so I just had to test it out to see how well I liked it in the format of a WebQuest. And I have to say I LOVE it! In the past I would dread creating a WebQuest due to the fact I would have to "relearn" Dreamweaver for the millionth time. I would try to find ways to avoid creating them or just come up with excuses for why I couldn't "tackle" it at that time.

So, just the other day I sat down at my computer to work on a few Glogs I had been putting off for the past several weeks due to technology conferences I was attending and/or presenting. When I started applying all the information I had recently acquired from the tech conferences it dawned on me that a Glog would be the perfect format for a WebQuest. So I decided to create a framework or shell for how it could work. Keep in mind the WebQuest that was created was quickly created just to demonstrate how it would work, look and feel in this format.

I have to say it was the easiest thing I had created in a long time. I loved the fact that I could add additonal multi-media content that really couldn't be easily added to Dreamweaver or any other template. (For our teachers, Dreamweaver has a high learning curve so the ease of a Glog was my solution to the problem), The best part was how I could embed videos for those roles that needed access to them. They no longer "had" to click on a link to get to the video, instead it was right there and easily accessible. Next, being able to attach scaffolding guides and not worry if they are in the correct folder with the correct path in order for the students to access was a huge plus. Then to have the capability of easily customizing the Glog wall and Glog page without having to know html code was the icing on top. Using a Glog just made total sense. I had the ease of this platform at my fingertips plus all the bells and whistles it offers to create a customized WebQuest for my teachers to use with their students. So easy, yet so fun. Since this first creation, I have shared this tool with all my eMINTS teachers I train. This way it eliviates stress of learning Dreamweaver and they can focus on the content of their WebQuest. It's a super tool for many uses and can't wait to experiment with more.

Keep in mind this WebQuest example is just that, an example. I didn't focus on the content of the WebQuest but the platform in which it is delivered. I wanted a true example of a Glog as a WebQuest that was fully functional so I created it quickly. The WebQuest is truly in the beginning stages as far as the content goes, but at least my teachers can see how easy and perfect the two fit together.
To check it out visit: http://tompkj.edu.glogster.com/oregon-trail-webquest-/

World Map Links to Newspapers

As I was working on a unit for one of my teachers, I ran across a website that I feel would benefit almost any teacher in any discipline.

It is the world’s largest newspaper site. It is a map that contains markers for every newspaper in the world. You just click on a marker in the desired part of the world on the desired language and voila, you have access to that online newspaper.

There are two ways to locate a newspaper. You have the option of either clicking on a marker to access the online newspaper or you may type in the search box.

When you click on the marker you have the option to translate the text or access it. By clicking on the translate, Google opens up and will translate into your chosen language. If you opt to access the site, then the online version of the newspaper will open in a pop up window.

If you wish to search for a particular newspaper, located in the upper right-hand corner you will find a search box that will allow you to type in the title of the newspaper or you may search by place or address. There is even a built in filter that will narrow your search by only displaying the major newspapers, as well as filtering out languages or showing only those newspapers on the following: Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Kindle editions and Pressdisplay editions.

I also like the color coded markers that distinguish between the languages. For example: if the marker is yellow then the native text is English, if the marker is blue the native text is German/Deutsch. There is a legend located in the lower left-hand corner of the screen for additional languages. Keep in mind I did run across a few sites that Google was unable to translate, but for the most part, the majority of them could be translated.

If you continue to have trouble locating one, here is what I did. While doing a search for a Japanese newspaper, I had trouble finding one due to the numerous markers. I zoomed in to that location and I was able to see Japanese newspapers written in English. I was able to click on that marker and a Japanese newspaper opened up in a pop-up window.

Uses in Education:
Current events classes could review several newspapers from the Middle East, France, Great Britain and the US to compare and contrast the events happening in Libya. Communication arts classes could use this as a starting place to find articles of interest in which to write a persuasive paper. History classes could look up events that are happening in the world and discuss the repercussions. This site can even be used to gather additional resources for planning a lesson. For example the teacher or student could look at Japan’s newspapers to learn more about the earthquake, tsunami and the rebuilding of their country. As I have only touched the tip of the iceberg as for the many uses of this site, I recommend checking it out.

http://newspapermap.com/