TAPPED IN - Thu Oct 25 16:11:15 2001 PDT

WebQuests for Global Understanding

Started recording in After School Online Room (#1460)[TappedIn] at Thu Oct 25 16:11:33 2001 PDT.

Sandy [guest] says, "okay, I think I have got it"

BernieD says, "Greetings all. Sorry for the delay."

BJB [HelpDesk] waves to Bernie

KathleenDB welcomes Bernie

BJB [to Bernie]: "I spoke with Fatemeh today...she's a delight."

BernieD says, "It appears that Tapped In is not Mac OS X friendly. Had to reboot into OS 9."

BernieD asks, "Not here yet, is she?"

BJB says, "no, she was here earlier today"

BernieD says, "It's 4AM there. I can understand if she doesn't make it."

BernieD says, "I'm hoping to have another guest as well."

BJB exclaims, "she was planning on being here, but maybe she didn't realize the time!"

BernieD says, "She knows the time, it's just hard to get up at that hour."

MicahG arrives from nowhere. MicahG's personal recorder follows MicahG to here. BJB [HelpDesk] Nods...I know it's hard for me!

BernieD says, "Shall we start introductions? Welcome, Micah."

BJB [to Bernie]: "yes, let's get started...I know you have lots to share"

BarbK says, "I am Barb and I am here for the very first time."

BJB says, "welcome everyone to WebQuests for Global Understanding"

MicahG says, ""hello?""

BJB says, "we usually start our discussions with brief introductions"

KathleenDB says, "I'm Kathleen and was hoping some of my students would show up :-)"

BernieD asks, "Where are you Kathleen?"

BarbK says, "I am a teacher in Edina, Minnesota where the snow is blowing along with the wind."

KathleenDB says, "Im in CA - Direct a MA program in Ed Tech"

MicahG says, "I'm using the telnet interface... sorry"

KathleenDB says, "My husband is actually in San Diego at a conference right now"

BJB says, "I'm an art teacher in Pennsylvania and a staff for TAPPED IN"

BernieD says, "I'm a professor of Ed Tech at San Diego State U."

oiejjjoie [guest] says, "hello, I'm Joie. I am observing the class from SCSU in MN for an Information Media class."

Sandy [guest] says, "Hello, I am a campus instructional technology specialist in Austin, Texas"

BJB [HelpDesk] looks to see if we got everyone?

MagdaN has arrived. MagdaN's personal recorder (recording) has arrived.

BernieD asks, "And Micah is at Western Michigan U, right?"

MicahG says, "I'm Micsay correct"

BJB says, "hi, Magda. We're just doing intros"

MicahG says, "I'm still still learning this system, sorry for typos"

BJB . o O ( no spell police here! )

BernieD says "...and we correct your spelling later in the transcripts!"

BJB says, "a couple housekeeping notes before we start"

MagdaN says, "Hi, I'm trying to get a transcript of all this"

BJB says, "Bernie will be projecting websites tonight"

BJB says, "when he does a new browser window will pop open for you"

JaniceF has arrived. JaniceF's Recorder (recording) has arrived.

BJB says, "you can look, bookmark and close"

MicahG says, "Micah Greene, I'm a student at WMU"

BJB says, "just come back to this window when you've looked"

BJB says, "also, if the text scrolls too fast, click on DETACH"

BJB . o O ( that will make your text window larger ) BJB [HelpDesk] hands to virtual floor over to Bernie

ChrisArn has arrived. ChrisArn's personal recorder (recording) has arrived.

BernieD asks, "Thanks, BJ. Welcome to you all. Hi Janice F from MO. Want to intro yourself?"

JaniceF exclaims, "sure! I am Janice from the eMINTS project in Missouri!"

ChrisArn says, "Hello all. Sorry for arriving late."

MagdaN goes OUT. MagdaN's personal recorder (recording) goes OUT.

BernieD says, "Great. Here's our topic:"

BernieD says, "In the aftermath of last month's tragedy, we've all been groping for appropriate lessons and activities to bring into our classrooms. Since WebQuests are designed to engage understanding of complex issues, perhaps they can be used to help our students grapple with cultural differences, international conflict, and the challenge of creating peace. In this Tapped In session we'll study some examples and discuss what a good WebQuest looks like in this domain."

BernieD says, "I've put together a web page with links to prepare for this. I'm going to project it now, and you might want to bookmark it so you can find it again."

BernieD exclaims, "Here it comes!"

BernieD projects the URL: http://webquest.sdsu.edu/global.htm

BernieD says, "Take a minute to look it over, but don't click away yet, please."

BJB [HelpDesk] checks to see if everyone got the projection

BJB . o O ( if you are on telnet you'll have to open a browser window and copy and paste )

KathleenDB sees the website

ChrisArn says, "got it."

BarbK says, "Got it"

oiejjjoie [guest] says, "looking good, so far."

BernieD says, "So... in looking for good examples, I found that they fell nicely into clumps based on the type of task they used."

MagdaN has arrived. MagdaN's personal recorder (recording) has arrived.

BernieD says, "You might know about the taxonomy of tasks I developed a few years ago."

BernieD says, "The first type of task to look at is the journalistic type."

BernieD says, "Here's (in general) what they're about:"

BernieD projects the URL: http://webquest.sdsu.edu/taskonomy.html#journalistic

BernieD says, "Journalistic tasks can include the creation of newscasts, biographies, simulated diaries, and newspapers."

Sandy1 [guest] has arrived.

BernieD says, "The first example I'd like us to look at was created by our guest Micah, who did one on Afghanistan for a course at WMU."

BernieD says, "Here it is. Let's look it over and then be ready to give feedback to Micah."

KimberlyZ arrives from nowhere. FatemehS has arrived. Kim's Scribe follows KimberlyZ to here.

BernieD projects the URL:

http://homepages.wmich.edu/~m4greene/afghanistan.htm

KimberlyZ says, "hi everyone, sorry to jump in in the middle of things"

KathleenDB exclaims, "great personality profiles!"

MicahG says, "Thank you."

KimberlyZ exclaims, "neat!"

BernieD asks, "Can you get Fatimeh and Kim caught up BJ?"

FatemehS says, "Hi"

BJB [HelpDesk] nods to Bernie

MicahG says, "very say very much a work in progress"

BernieD says, "It's a very good start, especially considering that it's your first, Micah."

MicahG says, "Thank you"

KimberlyZ says, "looks like a great concept"

ChrisArn says, "I like the personalities page. I haven't seen photos before. It adds realism."

FatemehS says, "Good morning Bernie"

BernieD asks, "Anyone have suggestions to Micah on how to make it perfect?"

BernieD exclaims, "Hi Fatemeh. Delighted to see you here!"

MagdaN says, "How long does it take to put this together?""

KathleenDB [to MicahG]: "wow. Great photos..how have you gone about collecting all the information accurately?"

MicahG says, "Having a little trouble working from this telenet location. We had a tornado move through W. MI last night Poswer is out at my home"

BernieD exclaims, "Yow!"

KimberlyZ hopes everything is ok

MicahG says, "It took several weeks for the formulation of ideas"

MicahG says, "The actual creation time was not that bad"

MicahG says, "I spent a great deal of time researching info"

KathleenDB [to MicahG]: "were the photos already existing collections?"

MicahG says, "Yes, from a wonderful site called "Afghanistan Online""

BernieD says, "I think kids would come away from this lesson with a much better appreciation of the diversity of Afghanistan (and ideally more broadly the Third World and Islamic World). Those are real people there that they can identify with in some way."

BarbK exclaims, "Barb K actually has a graduate class looking on and researching just how a WebQuest works. This is great info!"

BarbK asks, "Are you going to detail the evaluation process for the students?"

FatemehS says, "i would like to design a webquest for middle school related to conflict resolution in the present crisis"

MicahG says, "Yes, I plan on offering concrete feedback on what they bring out of this exercise"

BernieD asks, "Have you thought about how the kids would present their work at the end Micah?"

BJB [HelpDesk] wonders if there is an evaluation rubric?

KimberlyZ says, "good idea fatemah"

MicahG says, "Once I use the WebQuest in my class"

BernieD says, "Some kids would enjoy acting like the person they studied. Others would want to be more reporter-like."

MagdaN says, "Sugg I would like to see a date somewhere on the webquest.""

KathleenDB says, "I am really enjoying the photo gallery on this webquest - shows a lot culturally"

MicahG says, "I would like to see possible a limited presentation, and dramatic elements might be a good addition to this process"

MicahG says, "Date on the WebQuest is a wonderful idea"

BernieD says, "This is a great example of personalizing what is mostly a lot of distant blahblah on newscasts. I think kids would get a lot out of this."

MicahG says, "I am definitely interested in suggestions, I will not actually be implementing this WebQuest in the classroom until sometime in January or later"

KimberlyZ says, "I like the idea of kids putting themselves in the roles of the Afghans. It decreases the "us" and "them" feeling."

BernieD says, "Once you're happy with the substance of it, Micah, I suggest that you spiff it up a bit visually. Here's a site that might help."

BernieD projects the URL: http://projects.edtech.sandi.net/staffdev/tpss99/finepoints/index.htm

KathleenDB says, "one small problem. When you go into any of the photo/outside areas it will be hard for students to find their way back to the webquest"

MicahG says, "my overall focus is to create understanding in students' minds that the people of Afghanistan are indeed real human beings. Just as our students are human."

BernieD asks, "Any more for Micah?"

MagdaN says, "Good work!""

KathleenDB says, "..umm Bernie just wondering why you underlined? This content would be great to design using your "fine points""

KimberlyZ says, "you could put in a "back to where you came from button""

KimberlyZ says, "in another frame"

MicahG says, "Thank you all very much for your suggestions and comments"

BarbK says, "We liked the roles that were offered! This promotes a great opportunity for understanding a culture that is very foreign to most of us."

JaniceF has lost her link. MicahG says, "yes, yes another wonderful idea"

BernieD exclaims, "I'd like to turn it over next to a very special guest. Fatimeh is here from Lahore, Pakistan where it's 4:45 in the morning. Welcome Fatimeh!"

KathleenDB is excited to see Micah's project implemented

KimberlyZ exclaims, "good morning fatimeh!"

KimberlyZ . o O ( that's dedication! ) FatemehS says, "Good morning"

KathleenDB says, "wow..good morning Fatimeh..what a way to start the day"

MicahG says, "Hello Fatimeh"

FatemehS says, "well i am honored to be here"

FatemehS exclaims, "and it is a great way to begin the day!"

KimberlyZ exclaims, "we're honored that you woke up so early to join us!"

FatemehS says, "the spelling is FatEmeh"

FatemehS says, "not fatimeh"

BernieD exclaims, "Several years ago Fatemeh submitted an outstanding WebQuest to the matrix of examples. Sorry about the spelling!"

FatemehS says, "no problem even in pakistan it is misspelt"

BernieD says, "As you know, long before Sept 11, her part of the world was embroiled in another impossible situation."

ChrisArn asks, "Bernie, do you remember the name of it if we wanted to check it out?"

BernieD says, "She's put together a rich and detailed WebQuest that engages kids in the Kashmir problem."

BernieD says, "Here it is, Chris and all:"

BernieD projects the URL: http://www.angelfire.com/wy/peacequest/index.html

BernieD says, "(coming up very slowly here... as if it were hosted in Pakistan, but it's not.)"

FatemehS says, "in Pakistan we feel threatened on both borders...Afghanistan on the west and India on the east"

ChrisArn exclaims, "Thanks!"

KimberlyZ asks, "what is the normal age range for this site?"

FatemehS says, "even now the issue is being used to further aggravate the situation"

KathleenDB exclaims, "very interesting!"

FatemehS says, "i think it is best for grades 7-12"

FatemehS says, "but with much more background work being done with middle school"

BernieD asks, "It has so many links! How long would you give to this lesson, Fatemeh?"

MicahG says, "The sense of immersion into this situation that you create for students in this WebQuest is wonderfull, Fatemeh"

FatemehS says, "Thank you Micah"

KathleenDB says, "I see it as also being a valuable way to educate Americans and the time is now."

FatemehS says, "time for quest ...well it depends on the age of students"

BarbK exclaims, "Our group is very overwhelmed with all the background information that is needed for a middle school student to complete. We liked the level of questioning!"

FatemehS says, "yes it would be ambitious for middle school but could be modified"

FatemehS says, "in that you could ask them to select some some sites instead of doing exhaustive research"

KathleenDB [to FatemehS]: "have you had any students complete this? Results?"

BarbK exclaims, "That would definitely be a good solution!"

BernieD says, "I think it would be great to make a second version with fewer links to go through while still keeping the essence of this one."

FatemehS says, "yes you are right Bernie"

FatemehS says, "i did get carried away as i designed this for a course"

KathleenDB says, "you could easily create grade level appropriate versions"

BarbK asks, "Easily?"

KathleenDB smiles

BernieD says, "Easy for you to say, Kathleen :-)"

FatemehS says, "since then i have taught grade 6 and 7 and have not had the opportunity to use it"

BernieD says, "Tell us what it's like there right now, Fatemeh."

KathleenDB is interested if anyone has done this. There should be a way to send results back once a webquest is completed

FatemehS says, "however i have had high school teachers from other countries including the states write to me as have students and they were very satisfied"

BernieD exclaims, "That must be gratifying!"

FatemehS says, "one teacher in the US has used it 2 years in a row and his students have all written back giving feedback"

KathleenDB says, "That's great.I would love to see what they wrote"

FatemehS says, "In Lahore things are calm"

ChrisArn asks, "What sorts of modifications have been made based on that feedback?"

FatemehS says, "as i am in an American School"

BarbK asks, "Do you know what grade level the teacher in the US was that used this WebQuest?"

FatemehS says, "all the teachers who are foreign hired have left"

BernieD says, "That must leave you short handed."

FatemehS says, "the teacher in the US was a high school teacher"

FatemehS says, "and it was an Asian Studies or World Studies Class"

KathleenDB listens intently to Fatemeh's story

BernieD asks, "What percentage of the kids at your school are American? Are they leaving, too?"

FatemehS says, "we have quite a few qualified local Lahore teachers on staff and are also relying on substitutes"

FatemehS says, "all foreign kids have left"

KathleenDB says, "how sad"

FatemehS says, "but our school has a majority of local students"

FatemehS says, "hardly any were US citizens"

KathleenDB asks, "why did they leave?"

FatemehS says, "many US passport holders of Pakistani heritage"

FatemehS says, "but they are still here"

FatemehS says, "the school has about 30-40 percent kids from other nationalities"

FatemehS says, "but most are Pakistani"

BernieD says, "I hope things settle down sooner rather than later."

FatemehS says, "the foreign kids left due to crisis"

KathleenDB asks, "were they living away from their parents?"

BernieD says, "I'd like to think that the mess we're in now will result in more attention being paid to all the unresolved conflicts in the world, including Kashmir."

FatemehS says, "no they were with families"

BarbK exclaims, "We have to leave - thank you so much for the conversation!"

FatemehS says, "yes and even India has heightened the tension on the borders"

BarbK has disconnected.

BernieD says, "I'm afraid that our time is running out."

FatemehS says, "as they are quite upset with the attention Pakistan is getting due to its support of the US"

ChrisArn says, "Well your web quest is definately timely. So is the first one we saw."

FatemehS says, "ok"

KathleenDB says, "would be great if we could get kids connected from your school"

MicahG says, "say I feel the one of the greatest aspects about WebQuests is that they have the potential to create such understanding of world situations"

FatemehS says, "well it was great"

MagdaN says, "I feel a little enlightened"

FatemehS says, "we are doing an exchange with a gr 10 class in Illinois"

KathleenDB applauds Fatemeh and Micah

FatemehS says, "thanks"

BernieD says, "I hope you'll explore the other sites on the page I put up and that you'll continue to create some new lessons in this topic. Clearly the world needs it."

BernieD joins in applause

FatemehS says, "where is the page"

KathleenDB [to Bernie]: "I would love to see you add a telecollaborative component to webquests"

BJB asks, "does anyone need a transcript of this discussion?"

BernieD projects the URL:

http://webquest.sdsu.edu/global.htm

MicahG says, "Yes, I would love to have one, thanks"

BernieD says, "Good idea, Kathleen. It's on the list."

BJB says, "if you want a transcript type your email now...I'll edit it out of the script"

Sandy1 [guest] says, "llyons1@austin.rr.com"

MicahG says, "thank you. My e-mail address is micahgreene@earthlink.net"

FatemehS asks, "will there be more sessions on conflict resolution and peace?"

BernieD says, "Type your credit card number, too. I've got a long Christmas list this year."

BernieD says, "Not here, Fatemeh, but I think the Social Studies group has been doing a lot."

Sandy1 [guest] says, "Thanks for letting me join. I learned a great deal just by listening"

MicahG says, "Expiration date too? ha, ha"

MagdaN says, "perkinsm@vcss.k12.ca.us"

KathleenDB [to FatemehS]: "I teach a class on global learning and would love to keep connections for future possibilities with my students in working with your school"

KimberlyZ says, "Thanks everyone... this has been a very interesting session"

MicahG says, "thank you for allowing me to participate as well. I'm reaglad to have been a part of this session"

BJB says, "The Blanket the World with Peace Project is meeting here at TAPPED IN on November 1 at 9pm ET/6pm PT"

FatemehS says, "where does the social studies group meet"

oiejjjoie [guest] says, "Thank you so much for this wonderful presentation of media."

BJB [to FatemehS]: "the SSForum meets here"

KimberlyZ has disconnected.

BJB . o O ( every Wednesday )

BernieD says, "Every 2nd and 4th Wednesday now."

FatemehS says, "what time for SS forum"

BJB . o O ( they are switching to every other Wednesday in Nov )

oiejjjoie [guest] says, "good-bye."

BJB [to FatemehS]: "8pm ET"

BJB [HelpDesk] waves bye to Joie

oiejjjoie [guest] says, "joie waves back."

BernieD says, "5AM your time, unless leaving daylight time changes it"

ChrisArn says, "Bernie, I look forward to hearing you in Albany this next month."

FatemehS says, "Kathleen do email me"

FatemehS says, "i would love to keep in touch"

BernieD says, "Good night all. Special thanks to Micah and Fatemeh. Bravo to both of you."

MagdaN exclaims, "Yeah, thank you!"

BJB [HelpDesk] cheers wildly

MicahG says, "Thank you, everyone. Appreciated the feedback"

FatemehS says, "thanks"

BJB says, "thanks for the session, Bernie"

FatemehS says, "this was a unique experience"

MagdaN has disconnected. BernieD has disconnected.

Disconnected from TAPPED IN on Thu Oct 25 17:12:01 2001 PDT.