LTAs provides instructors an insight to whether their learning group is willing and able to accept Web-based learning environments.

My hypothetical LTA is focused on the Explore Africa webquest and on the demographics of my previous students from 2008-09 school year.

LTA split into two parts and a conclusion.

Goal:› To accurately begin this assessment, I

need to establish a goal to see if Web-based learning is the correct choice.

My goal is to have the students work in small groups to research an African tribe, create a mask of that tribe, and deliver an oral presentation in the Griot style.

YES!› The Web is a necessary component for

research.› Most thorough and up-to-date information› Can find pictures, video, audio, etc.› Some research could be done via libraries

YES!› Much required information will be available

via the Web.› Faster› More extensive› Example of Griot presentations?

YES!› Currently taught as an individual research

project› Can be modified to incorporate

independent and collaborative aspects› More Web-based with guided research

through the webquest and other sites like Classzone.com, SchoolWires.net, and Web2.0 servers

› Includes multiple intelligences and learning styles even while being Web-based

YES!› New skills can be practiced

Art of researching Proper web searching Filtering and Reading Comprehension Recognizing credible vs. non-credible

sources Preparing research notes and Works Cited Interactive Africa Map Quiz for knowledge of

political geography of Africa

YES!› Rubric to assess student participation and

demonstration of gained knowledge› Multiple Intelligences and Learning Styles› Individual and Collaborative aspects› Interactive online and off› Teamwork and Organization› Research is foundational to completing and

understanding the project

For this next section, I will continue to use my previous 7th grade class as my group of learners, sometimes referred to as “employees” by Beer.

Diverse teaching and learning Sundry of strategies and activities,

often simultaneously:

Smart Board Computers on Wheels

Website creation Power Point presentations

Multiple Intelligences Think Like A…

Tools/Themes of History Interest Inventories

Tiered assignments Flexible/Cooperative groups

Depth and Complexity Content Imperatives

EVERYONE! Administrators, parents, students, faculty

Affluent district competitive Technology is motivating and engaging

› Helps provide Authentic Learning Experiences (OPUSD Moral Imperative and Teaching and Learning Goal)

› Lessons become customizable and more enjoyable

Detailed in Part 1 Use for school-home-school

communication Helps students be more responsible for

assignments and schedules Less physical storage space needed in

classroom for projects

YES!› Students use technology and the Web

every day a hundred times over! Communication, Entertainment,

Work/Learning, Research, File storing/sharing, etc.

› Their knowledge is helpful in the classroom Trouble shooting Peer tutoring Collaborative Cooperative Groups Opportunity to help others and come out of

their shells

YES!› Technology is most students’ way of life!› Some lack of enthusiasm with “old”

technologies› Students still used to seeing, interacting

with, and learning with technology

OPUSD Mission Statement:“The mission of the Oak Park Unified School

District is to provide students with a strong foundation for learning which meets the challenge of the present and of the FUTURE through a balanced education which includes academic achievement, personal growth, and social responsibility” (http://www.oakparkusd.org/).

OPUSD Moral Imperatives and Goals for Teaching and Learning:› Authentic Learning

“Technology is a tool that will be used to optimize authentic learning experiences.”

Goal: develop a “practical art program” in technology

Technology is CORNERSTONE to authentic learning and meeting present and future challenges.

Lots of funding and SUPPORT for technology in OPUSD› Lots of exciting hardware and software for

classroom use However, MCMS is NOT a technology

school! Still have the same subject matter content standards to cover like every other public school in California.

Need to continually strive to be innovative to effectively integrate tech into an already full program

YES!› By updating the project requirements and

altering it to fit a web-based learning experience, the students can work cooperatively and still produce an authentic product.

List is too long to enumerate!› Website creation in class period› Research-based power points› Computer/online review game creation› Classzone.com and SchoolWires.net to

study for tests, complete assignments, access schedules, emails

› Web 2.0 server to access files Internet is part of their daily lives!

Schools have to run to keep up with ever-changing technology and student familiarity with it.

For my seasoned 7th graders, technology and Web learning is second nature.

IMPACT:› Comfort level of virtual world and reality› Educators have supreme responsibility to

utilize technology and the Web effectively and creatively. Show it’s more valuable than Facebook and gaming.

› Effective integration of of the Web and technology is critical to the 21st Century student and teacher.

The LTA fuels me with enough confidence to continue to stretch out into the realm of Web-based learning.› My learners can handle it.› My learners can contribute.

It continues to be my responsibility to provide my students with these types of authentic learning opportunities.