Focus area:
enhancing research and collaboration using the internet
In this highly technological age, it is extremely important that students know how to find information and conduct research using the internet. Students with disabilities may have difficulty determining key words to begin their search, have a hard time figuring out which websites are the most reliable and relevant, and lack the strategies necessary to comprehend the material they find online. Technology tools can help them be more effective at conducting research individually and collaboratively.
research
While a survey conducted by the Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project in collaboration with the College Board and the National Writing Project found that 99% of teachers surveyed felt "the internet enables students to access a wider range of resources than would otherwise be available," a majority of the teachers also thought that the amount of information available online is overwhelming to most students, today's technologies "discourage students from using a wide range of sources when conducting research," and that it is harder for students to find information from credible online sources (1). However, with continually developing technology, these issues can be minimalized. Websites are available that allow teachers to post links to credible and relevant sources, and students to organize and annotate online texts for individual or group projects. One study done by James Frazee found that Jigsaw activities incorporated into Webquests can have a positive impact on student engagement, achievement, and learning (2). As with all technology tools, the ones listed below should be coupled with direct instruction on how to use them, as well as teacher guided lessons on how to conduct research (3).
Technology based solutions
CAST Strategy Tutor - Strategy Tutor is a free online tool for teachers and students age 10 and up. It helps students to read, research, collect, and understand information better and more efficiently. Teachers can create and share web-based lessons embedded with comprehension strategies and vocabulary supports for students.
CAST Strategy Tutor can be used by teachers to create webquests that allow students to explore specific topics related to the curriculum. Strategies of good readers such as summarizing, questioning, clarifying, predicting, feeling, and visualizing are incorporated into the experience. Teachers can also support vocabulary knowledge by providing a dictionary of relevant terms for students to use as they are engaged in their research.
CAST Strategy Tutor can be used by teachers to create webquests that allow students to explore specific topics related to the curriculum. Strategies of good readers such as summarizing, questioning, clarifying, predicting, feeling, and visualizing are incorporated into the experience. Teachers can also support vocabulary knowledge by providing a dictionary of relevant terms for students to use as they are engaged in their research.
Diigo - This website is designed to help users of all ages organize bookmarked webpages and collaborate with others on group projects. Diigo allows users to highlight and make notes on webpages and save them for later review. Diigo can be accessed from school or home on a computer or iPad.
Teachers can create groups that students can join to access bookmarked websites. Students can add their own bookmarks and collaborate with others on research projects by posting notes on the webpages and having online discussions. The teacher can monitor student participation and guide them in their research by posting additional links and feedback.
Click here to watch a video to see how Diigo works.
Teachers can create groups that students can join to access bookmarked websites. Students can add their own bookmarks and collaborate with others on research projects by posting notes on the webpages and having online discussions. The teacher can monitor student participation and guide them in their research by posting additional links and feedback.
Click here to watch a video to see how Diigo works.
Siri - Students often have difficulty performing internet searches because they don't know how to choose an appropriate keyword to type into the search box. With Siri, students can ask a question and have the application find relevant websites for them. Siri is unlike traditional voice recognition software in that it recognizes natural speech without the user stating specific commands or keywords and will asks questions if unclear about what the user is trying to find.
Siri is a tool that not only enhances student engagement, but provides easy access to information that they are looking for. Students can use iPads in the classroom to conduct research. When teaching a lesson on how to perform internet searches using traditional keyword searches, students can also learn about the alternative of using Siri. Siri is also great to use with students who have difficulty with spelling.
Siri is a tool that not only enhances student engagement, but provides easy access to information that they are looking for. Students can use iPads in the classroom to conduct research. When teaching a lesson on how to perform internet searches using traditional keyword searches, students can also learn about the alternative of using Siri. Siri is also great to use with students who have difficulty with spelling.
more information
Noodle Tools: This page of the Noodle Tools website provides an extensive list of search engines that can help students more easily find the information they need. Students can also use the interactive tool to narrow down which search engine is best suited for their needs.
Collaborize Classroom is a free online tool that teachers can use to to build an engaging online classroom community. Students are able to post and comment on discussion boards, express opinions in polls, and gain knowledge through various interactive resources posted by the teacher.
Webquest.org is an online resource that teachers can use to develop class projects that enhance students' learning about a particular topic. Students are presented with a specific task and are then led through the process of doing research towards a final product as they participate in the webquest.
Google Drive can be used by students in combination with Google Docs to save information gathered on the internet and work collaboratively on projects. Teachers can also share relevant links with students through Google Drive.
The KYVL for Kids Research Portal is a kid friendly site that takes elementary students through the process of doing research.
Collaborize Classroom is a free online tool that teachers can use to to build an engaging online classroom community. Students are able to post and comment on discussion boards, express opinions in polls, and gain knowledge through various interactive resources posted by the teacher.
Webquest.org is an online resource that teachers can use to develop class projects that enhance students' learning about a particular topic. Students are presented with a specific task and are then led through the process of doing research towards a final product as they participate in the webquest.
Google Drive can be used by students in combination with Google Docs to save information gathered on the internet and work collaboratively on projects. Teachers can also share relevant links with students through Google Drive.
The KYVL for Kids Research Portal is a kid friendly site that takes elementary students through the process of doing research.