EDMT 380 Instructional Strategies

Colleen Bender with feather rule
EDMT 380.001
Fall 2005
Instructional Strategies Assignment

Instructional Strategies

| Non-Technology-Based | Technology-Based |

Non-technology-based Instructional Strategies

Strategy	Description	Classroom Use	Pros	Cons	Special Considerations
Group Work	Students work together to accomplish a task	Experiments Brainstorming ideas Research	Students learn about cooperation Combined ideas are beneficial	Not all group members participate Is time productive?

Lecture	Instructor verbally presents information	Introducing a topic Delivering large amounts of information Explaining something that can't be shown	Most efficient method of delivering information Can cover a lot in a small amount of time	Can be monotonous and uninteresting for students Hearing impaired are at a disadvantage without accommodations

Discovery Learning	Students are given limited information and are allowed to explore	Introductions to science topics Experiments Research	Allows students to explore Beneficial for unfamiliar topics	Time may not be productive Students have to be motivated

Demonstration	Teacher/Student demonstrates a topic visually instead of solely verbally	Experiments Step-by-step procedures	Show something you can't explain Accommodates to visual learners	Doesn't accommodate to all learners Preparation Materials

Technology Based

Strategy		Description	Classroom Use	Pros	Cons	Special Considerations
Spreadsheets		Using a spreadsheet program to visualize data, interpret data, and apply knowledge in the classroom	Grade work Gathering and interpreting data Visualizing data Solving complex problems Looking at correlations	Students will be able to see data in a different way Organizes information	Knowing how to use all the formulas Picking the wrong kind of graph	You will have to do a task analysis— what type of skills do the students have?
WEB
	Topic Hotlist	A list of websites that is useful and interesting to a specific topic	To gain insight, experience, and information related to a specific topic	Students do not have to type in a URL or spend hours searching for a website Adds to the activity	Link rot Hard to bookmark all sites	One of the most commonly used web instructional strategies among elementary teachers

	Treasure Hunt	A list of sites that hold information essential to completing a specific task	Introduction to topic Reviewing for test Develops solid knowledge on a subject	Kids think of it as a game It's an adventure Student are searching for the correct answer; it's not given to them	Link rot Time consuming for teacher	One of the most commonly used web instructional strategies among elementary teachers Each student needs a computer

	Multimedia Scrapbook	Provides links to a variety of media and content types: videos, maps, quotes, etc.	Newsletters, presentations, bulletin boards, lessons, projects	Students are able to add graphics and different elements to projects	Link rot Copyright has become more of an issue Requires specific computer knowledge such as copying and downloading files	Teacher must emphasize topic

	Subject Sampler	A small number of websites organized around a specific topic which is usually controversial	Used with older students to get them to respond to controversial topics	Allows students to connect personally and draws them to a specific topic	Link rot Parent concern about controversial topics Hard to find good websites	Use subject sampler when you want students to feel connected to or develop opinions on a specific topic

	Web Quest	An activity that presents student groups with a challenging task to prompt higher thinking	Group projects	Group work Requires thorough research on topic Current issues	Link rot A quality webquest may take years to create Takes a large amount of class time Teacher preparation	Most commonly used web instructional strategies among elementary teachers Need background knowledge
WIRELESS TECHNOLOGIES
	Laptops	A wireless computer in which students can use in the same way they would a desktop	Lecture notes Emailing assignments and grades At home class discussions	Students can start homework in class Email	Potential distraction Can run out of battery Costly

	PDAs	Retrieves small amounts of information	Can be used in presentations	Easy to move things around Cheaper than a laptop Has a graphic organizer	Screen is not very large Entry may be difficult with small buttons

	Tablets	A note-taking device that recognizes handwriting	Students and teachers can take notes	Quick and efficient for people with typing disadvantages	Costs more than a laptop

Videoconferencing		Communication with a person or an audience that is in a different location	Experts can be interviewed Professional Development	Visit a place/people you don't have access to	Costly equipment needed	Make sure use of video is purposeful

GIS/GPS		Geographing databases/devices to locate or map specific information	Geocaching Science experiments Geography studies Collecting data	Scientific investigations See places around the world	Costly Confined to school year for data collection Training with equipment is needed Preparation takes time	Hard to use in Language Arts

Digital Imaging		Graphic manipulation and creation using Photoshop or other similar programs	Create images for websites, brochures, posters, etc.	Allows for creativity Students can manipulate photos	Requires time to learn how to maneuver effectively Costly	Technology skills required
ONE COMPUTER CLASSROOM
	Whole Class	Using the computer to instruct the whole class	Virtual field trips Electronic dry erase board PowerPoint presentations Demonstrate certain website use	Can "go" places you can't normally go Wealth of info— current events	Link rot Narrowing info can be difficult Inappropriate sites may appear Costly	Students need to be engaged— if using websites, find ones that are useful

	Learning Centers	Using computers in a center for individual or group based work	Teacher quizzes Web Quest Writing— Class stories Kidspiration Mathblasters	Great way to evaluate students Quick feedback for students Allows more small group/teacher work	Link rot Monitoring can be difficult Scheduling time on computers

	Independent Learning	Using the computer for individual learning	Discovery learning Assessments Listening stations	Meets individual student needs Students l earn to make choices Students are self-directed	Preparation time for teachers Monitoring can be difficult Students could fall behind if time is not managed correctly

Video		Using video to capture data or information you would not normally be able to gather	Newscasts Documentaries Data collection Interviews	Motivates students Allows students with a different learning style be successful Slows down observations	Takes a significant amount of class/teacher time Costly	Teach visual literacy skills Consider audience and purpose

Podcasting		Delivering audio content to iPods and other portable media players on demand, so that it can be listened to at the user's convenience Can also be listened to on nearly any computer	Can listen to: Missed lectures Interviews with experts Music	Portable with iPod Students are able to rehear to missed content	Downloads might not work Files can be large

Wikis		A piece of server software that allows users to freely create and edit webpage content using any web browser	Editing papers Class editing	Individuals can provide input at any time Provides immediate feedback for students	Do students actually benefit from it or do they edit incorrectly? Not all students have at-home access to internet

Blogs		An online journal in which postings can inform viewing audience	Assignments and classroom updates can be posted Constant class evaluation	Students can share ideas	Personal information could get released How educational is it? Not all students have at-home access to Internet

Desktop Publishing		Using any desktop publishing application to create a useful handout, flyer, etc.	Papers Posters Brochures Handouts	Easy to navigate Students can publish their writing	Not all students have access Limited functions within applications

| Web Instructional Strategy (Topic Hotlist) | Digital Music (Garageband) |

Last Updated: December 21, 2005
Any Questions? Email Colleen Bender: benderca@uwec.edu