Related Research
This
WebQuest is designed for students to be successful. Using technology
and working in cooperative groups allows them more opportunity for a positive
learning experience. Being able to search the Internet for information,
create a Power Point presentation, a spreadsheet, and an oral group presentation
opens the door for them to feel powerful in what they are able to do.
Their self-confidence will increase as they are learning in ways they never
thought possible before, and their academic and social skills begin moving
in a positive direction as they are using the information they learn and
actually applying it to real-world situations. The overall goal of
this WebQuest is for students to not only learn about recycling, but also
to make it a true learning experience that they will be able to keep with
them forever.
The
following references provide a research background on the positives of
technology and cooperative learning. Also, there are some sighted
documents referring to recycling that are meant to be used by the teacher
to provide a real world background for the students.
References
Barr, C. (2000). The greening of Japan. Christian
Science Monitor: [On-line]. available: http://resources.blackboard.com/scholar/course/research/research_frame.jsp
Being eco-friendly saves
energy and contributes to a cleaner environment. As shown in Japan,
living the "green life" by purchasing environmentally safe products is
unfortunately not cost effective. What is shown here is that it is
up to the people to want to live in harmony with their environment.
Prices are definitely an obstacle that people must get through in order
to do their best to clean up the environment. Examples are shown
of ways in which people are doing just that. Students could benefit
from hearing a summary of this article to actually see that an effort needs
to be made by the people. Recycling programs are definitely the way
to go, but only are most successful when people pull together.
Cooperative Learning. (2000). Volcano World:
A Living Laboratory: [On-line]. available: http://volcano.und.nodak.edu/vwdocs/msh/llc/is/cl.html
This article clearly favors
cooperative learning over competitive and individual learning arrangements.
The reasons being that cooperative learning has been said to increase the
development of higher-level thinking skills, communication skills, motivation,
increased self-esteem, and has a positive effect on social interactions
between students. It outlines elements that are necessary for teachers
to pay attention to when implementing this kind of learning environment
in their classrooms. Great suggestions are given for how to create
successful cooperative learning situations.
Cooperative Learning & Technology. (2001). Compaq
Educational Resources: [On-line]. available: http://www5.compaq.com/education/k12/resources/cooperative2.html
This article outlines very
well the definition of cooperative learning, provides practical examples
of including technology into this kind of learning environment, gives a
research background explaining the positives of combining technology and
cooperative learning, and gives suggestions for helpful tips and types
of technology that can be most valuable for this situation. The definition
and examples provided give a clear understanding of how cooperative learning
successfully creates a positive learning environment for many students.
Dodge, B. (2001). Five Rules for Writing a WebQuest.
Learning
and Leading with Technology: [On-line]. available: http://206.58.233.20/L&L/archive/vol28/no8/featuredarticle/dodge/index.html
Bernie Dodge presents a
background and defines WebQuest in a very effective and comprehensible
way. She outlines her version of the five rules for writing a great
WebQuest, and gives the reader clear suggestions in successfully encountering
all five of her rules. Her resources page is very thorough and extremely
helpful for WebQuest beginners.
Herbst, S. & Fitzgerald, J. (Apr. 2000). Reaping
the benefits of waste recycling. Pollution Engineering: [On-line].
available: http://resources.blackboard.com/scholar/course/research/research_frame.jsp
Many businesses have adopted
recycling programs and reuse practices since the awareness of environmental
problems. This article discusses the reasons that businesses start
these programs in their companies. A section also discusses a recycling
program entitled "Clean Sweep" that was implemented in 1999 in the Chicago
area. It was a successful program that could be an excellent example
for other cities.
This article can be used
to show students that not only companies, but also entire metropolitan
cities are working to increase the awareness of environmental problems
in our world today.
Pay-as-you-throw programs encourage communities
to reduce waste. (Nov. 2000). Public Management (US): [On-line].
available: http://resources.blackboard.com/scholar/course/research/research_frame.jsp
Pay-as-You-Throw, a new
solid waste management program is one in which customers see a direct economic
incentive to reduce the amount of waste they use. In this program,
it costs customers a fee that is based on how much waste they throw away.
A pilot program is underway in Fort Worth, TX. They have identified
goals and given workshops to start other US cities. A contact name
is provided for more information.
This article can be used
to show students that cities in the United States are starting their own
programs to reduce the amount of garbage used for the betterment of our
environment.
Using cooperative learning in the technology infused
classroom. (1998). Learning Solutions: [On-line]. available: http://www.learnsol.com/coop.html
Besides defining and providing
a background for cooperative learning, this article shows how using technology
in this type of learning environment can only be a positive move.
First, the range of student experience with technology will vary so cooperative
learning setting allows students to learn and work together to provide
the support each one needs. Also, with so many classrooms limited
in the amount of computers available, this type of setting allow more students
to work together on one station. The article provides research background
that shows cooperative learning improves academic performance and increases
motivation and self-confidence.
Silverstein, S. (1974).
Where
the sidewalk ends. New York: Evil Eye Music, Inc.
Here you will find a collection
of poems and drawings by Shel Silverstein. Included is the poem,
Sarah
Cynthia Sylvia Stout Would Not Take The Garbage Out.
Stahl, R. (2000). The essential elements of cooperative
learning in the classroom. ERIC Digests: [On-line]. available:
http://www.ed.gov/databases/ERIC_Digests/ed370881.html
Stahl uses his research
background to support the fact that students in cooperative group settings
not only have higher academic skills, but also increase positively on social
skills. He clearly states the elements he believes are necessary
for a successful cooperative learning setting from grouping and tasks to
how students interact and learn together. Students are going to not
only be academically successful, but are also going to learn how to work
with others in a positive way to make the best of their education.
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