ICT as Mind Tool

     ICT as   

   

The learning environment can be enhanced by stimulating the use of innovative ICT applications. In particular, this writing focus on mind tools as a mean of ICT for development of students skills.

What are ICT mind tools??

Briefly, I can define the ICT mind tools as they are computer-based tools and learning environment in order to engage and facilitate critical thinking and higher order learning. These tools include databases, semantic networks, spreadsheets, visualization tools and many other useful tools.

Before I read about ICT mind tools I were using ICT as mind tools in my classrooms but I didn’t notice that this is called ICT mind tools. I discovered new use of computer as a mind tool and it is the mind mapping or concept map. It is a visual thinking and learning approach, which help me in teaching and help my students in learning. Below is an example of how I use illustrator software as a mind tool.

 

Before, I was always drawing maps and divided any information related to me personality and tried to connect all the ideas with each other and I followed this technique with my students. All the information I taught them I drew them on the board and connected to each other because I knew that it is the easiest way for my students to remember and understand. But after, when I know more about the visual concept map, I will use it more and more inside my classroom because it is useful for my students in many ways, It provide structure for thinking, writing, focus thoughts and ideas which leading to understanding and interpretation and connect between the previous knowledge and the new concepts.



I really get benefit from these tools and also my students benefit from them. ICT mind tools engage students in higher thinking. In addition, mind tools required students to be creative and to think and make connections for them. Also these tools help students to analysis and organize their ideas and their thinking.

Here are some of the useful links:
     (1) Mind tools contributing to an ICT-rich learning enviroment
     (2) ICT MindTools

WEBQUEST

Have you ever heard about “WEBQUEST”? What did you know about “WEBQUEST”? Have you ever used the “WEBQUESST”? Many questions come in my mind when I heard the word WEBQUEST for the first time. Honestly, I never used the WebQuest before. But I started doing some researches about what is WebQuest, the use of WebQuest and its benefits. From my simple researches I come up with these important information about WebQuest.

What is WebQuest?

Simply, it is online lessons created and prepared by the teacher. Mainly, it is based on the concept on inquiry-based approach. WebQuest provides a technology-rich environment for problem solving and collaboration. It is also add some adventure to my class. The below diagram shows the main components or parts that should be includes in any WebQuest.

WebQuest Main Components.



Benefits of using WebQuest:

When the teacher integrates the WebQuest as a tool of learning in hiss lessons he will get many advantages of using this new technology such as:

1.   Involves students in the learning and provide them a good problem solving and collaborative learning environment.

2.   The lessons will be more interesting and it will add some adventure to the class.

3.   Students will be able to work in teams this will improve their communication skills.

4.  The students will refer to the internet and other available resources for researching, this will help the amount of student information to grow up and get knowledge.

5.  Encourages readers to interact with information-based internet resources.

6.  Motivating way for students and the WebQuest can be worked and available at home or library.

And many other benefits can be get from using the WebQuest in classroom lessons. In my opinion, I think that the only disadvantage for the WebQuest is that when the teacher creates his own WebQuest it will take time.

I did a simple research about examples of WebQuest; I would like to share some of them here in my writing:

1.  Here is an excellent example of WebQuest that has host: “Whose Restaurant will rule?” It designed very well and it contains all main elements of the WebQuest.

WebQuest Example 1



2.   This is another example of WebQuest. The design is colorful and it also contains the main parts of a WebQuest. Well designed and structured.

WebQuest Example 2



3.   Here is an example of a WebQuest:”WebQuest Fire Safety”. This example is clearer for students and it explains everything in details for the students. It is helpful and easy to be used by the students.



WebQuest Example 3





4.   Another WebQuest example, it has simple design and contain the main components for each WebQuest.



WebQuest Example 4





5.   This is an interesting example of WebQuest. It is a great an motivating WebQuest for students. It contains all WebQuest parts.

WebQuest Example 5

 

The goal of the WebQuest is a fun, engaging lesson that the students will enjoy and get a lot out of. I will use the WebQuest in my classroom lessons because I think it is a good way for students to learn. Now I am working on my first WebQuest, I am trying to make it colorful and designed very well. In addition, I chose a great and interesting topic that the students will enjoy.

Here are some of useful links about how you can create your own WebQuest:

         (1) Presentation Sildes of how to create a WebQuest

         (2) Creating a power point WebQuest

         (3) Basic Information about the WebQuest

Inquiry Based Learning

Before I start my writing I would like to present this short video, which I think it can give you a clear vision and breif introduction about Inquiry Based Learning Technique.



To continue talking about the Flipped Classroom, in my last post I discussed the Student-Centered-Learning technique. In this post I will talk about Inquiry-Based-Learning technique. In the following writing I will define what Inquiry Based Learning is, how I implemented this technique at my classrooms and its advantages from my opinion based on my previous experience.

What is Inquiry Based Learning?

It is a teaching technique which mainly depends on getting the students involved through questions which will stimulate them to think and leads to understand. Moreover, the students do some research or seeking information knowledge through asking those questions.



Last year when I was teaching high school students, I tried to use this teaching technique and integrate it with the other teaching techniques to develop my teaching style and to foster my student educational level.

I used to ask my students creative questions related to my subject whom I teach or sometimes I give them a problem and ask them to find appropriate solution for it. I used to ask questions with different levels not only hard or creative questions so that each student gets the useful knowledge easily. I think that the questions have to be entirely focused on the subject matter that the teacher taught.

From what I tested in my classroom lessons, the questions do not have to be always from the teacher side it also can be from the students’ side. This can develop their thinking level. In my opinion, the best learning and gaining of knowledge can be occurred from inquiring which involved learners and leads to positive outcomes.

Briefly, there are simple steps of inquiring or main components of inquiry based learning which are:

1.       Questions have to be related to the topic of inquiry.

2.       Investigation and gathering of information related to the question.

3.       Discussion of collected information and data.

4.       Reflection on what was learned.

Inquiry based learning components



From implementing this technique in my classrooms I come up with these advantages:

1.       It developed the students thinking.

2.       Let the students think in a creative way and allow them to solve problems.

3.       Gaining the right information and knowledge.

4.       Increasing and fostering the students learning level.

5.       Improving the students’ skills.

                                           

Finally, I think that integrating the flipped classroom techniques together such as applying student centered learning, inquiry based learning and problem solving will leads to positive outcomes and it will enhance the students’ educational level and skills. Indeed, they will be prepared very well for future life.