Web-Based Learning Design

My design project using Web 1.0 tools has students researching information about six simple machines.  Students use books, Internet, and any information they learned throughout the simple machine unit to gather information and images.  Information and images are used to design (using DEAPR) a flyer on paper then encoded and assembled into a Microsoft Word document.  Flyers are published and revised.

Now that I have learned about some Web 2.0 tools, another way to incorporate this lesson into the simple machine unit comes to mind.  After student learn about each simple machine a Wiki page can be made for that particular simple machine.  Images and information can be added.  Students can gather and add more information about each simple machine throughout the whole unit as well, and can add additional sources of information.  The information will be there for students to review for SOLs at the end of the year.

As I am thinking through the idea of the Wiki and Web 2.0 tools, another great idea comes to mind.  Students could also create a blog on simple machines as well.  They could have great discussions about information they gathered on the simple machines, how they are used, examples of them, and photos.  People from all over the country can join in on the conversations as well. 

Both of these activities allows for students to learn how to add, modify, and delete information on the Web.  Students also learn how to share information using the Web, upload multimedia, and hyperlink.  Students also benefit by improving communication skills.  Sharing information with other students will allow for collaborative construction of knowledge.