Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Re: RE: (negroupproject series: part 1 of 3): Webquest FAQ

Thanks Kailin for sharing!
 
raudah

----- Original Message -----
From: Kailin Huang <huangkailinphilomena@gmail.com>
Date: Wednesday, January 28, 2009 8:05 pm
Subject: RE: (negroupproject series: part 1 of 3): Webquest FAQ
To: han_mui_eng@moe.edu.sg, ho_siew_fun@moe.edu.sg, in_kit_shong@moe.edu.sg, lee_hay_beng@moe.edu.sg, mok_wei_woon@moe.edu.sg, pan_qun@moe.edu.sg, siau_fong_fui@moe.edu.sg, tan_lee_fang@moe.edu.sg, Ang Feng Ling <ang_feng_ling@moe.edu.sg>, Huang Kailin <huang_kailin@moe.edu.sg>, Jamilah Abdul Majeed <jamilah_abdul_majeed@moe.edu.sg>, Ong Kwee Hoon <ong_kwee_hoon@moe.edu.sg>, Raudah Ali <raudah_ali@moe.edu.sg>, Tan Bee Lien <tan_bee_lien@moe.edu.sg>, Tee Kim Cheng <tee_kim_cheng@moe.edu.sg>, Veeramuthu Ganesan <veeramuthu_ganesan@moe.edu.sg>
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> Dear Teachers,


> The NE Group Project for H1 CL students will be based on the Webquest model and incorporate the use of Wikis and Google Docs.

> As a follow-up to previous sharing on related topics, here's a little webquest FAQ.


> Webquest FAQ


> What is a Webquest?
(in one sentence)

> A WebQuest is an inquiry-oriented lesson format in which most or all the information that learners work with comes from the web.

> http://webquest.org/index.php
> http://www.being.org.cn/webquest/ (网络主题探究 Chinese resource page)

> These days, webquests typically incorporate collaborative learning activities as well.

> Most (though not all) webquests have these features: Introduction, Task, Process (including Resources), Evaluation/Assessment, Conclusion.

> The webquest can be scenario-based e.g. in a scenario related to hosting foreign guests during Chinese New Year, students may have to use web resources to complete tasks such as compiling a list of CNY customs, designing a CNY menu etc.


> What are some advantages of using webquests?
(in 3 points)
> 1. Incorporates ICT into teaching and learning
> 2. Incorporates group/collaborative learning
> 3. Facilitates learner management (e.g. through the use of online tools to track student participation and learner responses)

> So, (at least theoretically speaking), you can kill many birds with this one stone called a webquest.


> What are some examples of Webquests?

> NE Group Project (AJC H1 CL 2009 webquest)
> http://negroupproject.pbwiki.com
> As introduced earlier. This is currently a private wiki so you will need a pbwiki invitation to enter the site.  

> Quit Cybergaming Webquest (Chinese NIE Project)
> http://quitcybergaming.pbwiki.com/

> KAC: Kids Against Cancer
> http://www.nccs.com.sg/kac/index.html
> A joint project by National Cancer Centre Singapore and Crescent Girls' School which won accolades at MOE's EDTECH Awards 2003 (http://www.moe.gov.sg/media/press/2003/pr20031018.htm).
> This detracts from the basic webquest template but maintains the webquest spirit by providing web-based interactive activities which promote student inquiry.

> Shakespeare Webquest
> http://www.macmillanenglish.com/readers/studentsite/shakespearewebquestcomp.htm
> Yet another example from a different discipline. This one incorporates online quiz tools.


> Must I be very IT-savvy to create a webquest?


> The answer is... no. There are a variety of easy-to-use online resources that you can use to create one, without having to worry about html and programming. One of the best (FREE) resources I recommend is pbwiki (www.pbwiki.com). Look out for more details on wikis in the next instalment of the negroupproject series.

> If you can use a Word Processor and Google Docs, you can use pbwiki.

> In fact, you can adapt your existing resources for the webquest format, and upload the final product as a web-based learning object on IVLE.


> *Bonus Resource

> Journal of Online Teaching and Learning
> http://jolt.merlot.org/currentissue.html
> This is a free online journal which offers a more academic perspective into the use of online technologies to facilitate teaching and learning.

> :)

> Regards,
> Kailin



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Re: (negroupproject series: part 2 of 3): Pbwiki FAQ

Dear Teachers,
 
In the course of creating a webquest or online learning object, you may need help with webhosting and webpage creation. One easy bypass would to be to use a wiki.

Pbwiki FAQ

What is a wiki?


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wiki

Wikis are webpages that anyone with access to it can contribute to.

A self-reflexive definition of a wiki taken from one of the best known wikis, Wikipedia:
A wiki is a page or collection of Web pages designed to enable anyone who accesses it to contribute or modify content, using a simplified markup language.[1][2] Wikis are often used to create collaborative websites and to power community websites.

What is Pbwiki?


http://pbwiki.com
Pbwiki is one of the largest providers of educational wikis.

For a quick checklist of Pbwiki's features, see
http://pbwiki.com/features.wiki


How might wikis be used for online teaching and learning?


http://pbwiki.com/academic.wiki
Like Google Docs, wikis allow teachers and students to collaborate on files. Teachers can also engage and manage students within and beyond the classroom by using the built-in accountability features (e.g. visitor tracking, change tracking) of pbwiki.

Minus the collaborative element, wikis can be an easy way to create webpages for public and private viewing.
 
And, as suggested in the last email, by using pbwiki to create a webquest, you can kill many birds with one stone.
 

How do I use a wiki?


Pbwiki for Dummies
http://pbwiki2basics.pbwiki.com/
After you have created your pbwiki account and first wiki/ accepted an invitation to join a wiki, you can follow this simple guide to get started on using a wiki.

The official Pbwiki guide
http://pbwikimanual.pbwiki.com/


Sounds interesting! I want to try using a wiki! (I'm glad you asked :))

Visit a real-private-wiki or Play around with a real-fake-public-wiki

Instructions: Choose option 1 and/or 2.

(Option 1)

1. Login to http://negroupproject.pbwiki.com (email invitation has been sent out earlier by Mdm Ong to Chinese teachers. Just check your Gmail to see if you have received an invitation similar to the sample provided by Mdm Ong.) for an example of a Chinese NE Group Project webpage created using pbwiki.

While you are at it, you can create a pbwiki account.

Alternatively, browse the public wiki directory at http://www.publicpbwikis.com/ for examples of wikis.

2. Try creating a new wiki of your own to experiment

(Option 2)


Go to the demo wiki ( http://aj-chinese-playground.pbwiki.com/) that I have created and play around with the different features.

To edit any page, just open the page and click on the Edit button in the top left hand corner.
To create a page, just click on the Create a Page button in the top right hand corner.
Have fun with the Insert Plugin command in editing mode. Insert different plugins into your page, save it, and see what happens.
Always remember to save (button is found at the bottom of the page in edit mode) your work.
Experiment with various ways of linking from one wiki page to another.

To make it simpler for you to familiarize youself with wiki editing, this particular wiki can be viewed by anyone and edited by anyone who has a pbwiki account, unlike negroupproject.pbwiki.com  which has stricter user control in place.


Dangle a carrot in front of me. Entice me to use a wiki.

 
Free Premiums!
http://blog.pbwiki.com/2009/01/08/pbwiki-presenter-pack-free-materials-and-wikis/
Check out this link to find out how you can get credits to create/upgrade to premium wikis (which otherwise cost $$$) that have more features!

:)
Regards,
Kailin

RE: (negroupproject series: part 1 of 3): Webquest FAQ

Dear Teachers,


The NE Group Project for H1 CL students will be based on the Webquest model and incorporate the use of Wikis and Google Docs.

As a follow-up to previous sharing on related topics, here's a little webquest FAQ.

Webquest FAQ

What is a Webquest?
(in one sentence)

A WebQuest is an inquiry-oriented lesson format in which most or all the information that learners work with comes from the web.

http://webquest.org/index.php
http://www.being.org.cn/webquest/ (网络主题探究 Chinese resource page)

These days, webquests typically incorporate collaborative learning activities as well.

Most (though not all) webquests have these features: Introduction, Task, Process (including Resources), Evaluation/Assessment, Conclusion.

The webquest can be scenario-based e.g. in a scenario related to hosting foreign guests during Chinese New Year, students may have to use web resources to complete tasks such as compiling a list of CNY customs, designing a CNY menu etc.


What are some advantages of using webquests?
(in 3 points)
1. Incorporates ICT into teaching and learning
2. Incorporates group/collaborative learning
3. Facilitates learner management (e.g. through the use of online tools to track student participation and learner responses)

So, (at least theoretically speaking), you can kill many birds with this one stone called a webquest.


What are some examples of Webquests?

NE Group Project (AJC H1 CL 2009 webquest)
http://negroupproject.pbwiki.com
As introduced earlier. This is currently a private wiki so you will need a pbwiki invitation to enter the site.  

Quit Cybergaming Webquest (Chinese NIE Project)
http://quitcybergaming.pbwiki.com/

KAC: Kids Against Cancer
http://www.nccs.com.sg/kac/index.html
A joint project by National Cancer Centre Singapore and Crescent Girls' School which won accolades at MOE's EDTECH Awards 2003 (http://www.moe.gov.sg/media/press/2003/pr20031018.htm).
This detracts from the basic webquest template but maintains the webquest spirit by providing web-based interactive activities which promote student inquiry.

Shakespeare Webquest
http://www.macmillanenglish.com/readers/studentsite/shakespearewebquestcomp.htm
Yet another example from a different discipline. This one incorporates online quiz tools.


Must I be very IT-savvy to create a webquest?


The answer is... no. There are a variety of easy-to-use online resources that you can use to create one, without having to worry about html and programming. One of the best (FREE) resources I recommend is pbwiki (www.pbwiki.com). Look out for more details on wikis in the next instalment of the negroupproject series.

If you can use a Word Processor and Google Docs, you can use pbwiki.

In fact, you can adapt your existing resources for the webquest format, and upload the final product as a web-based learning object on IVLE.


*Bonus Resource

Journal of Online Teaching and Learning
http://jolt.merlot.org/currentissue.html
This is a free online journal which offers a more academic perspective into the use of online technologies to facilitate teaching and learning.

:)

Regards,
Kailin

Friday, November 21, 2008

Where is your username registered?

Have you ever wondered if someone out there either has the same name as or is posing off as you?

I happened to stumble upon this website, Where is your username registered?, that gives a really insightful look into who on earth is using your favorite account id on some other website that you have never registered for.

That said, it may not be possible to get those who have taken your ideal id charged with identity theft. Nonetheless, it serves as a good reminder to "chope" your place in cyberspace. If not for yourself, at least you can make sure that your friends won't get conned by a clone of yours. Cheers!

Friday, November 14, 2008

a wix experiment... in progress

I was trying to rebuild my site on wix... looks good but am having problems with the rss feeds and cbox... here's a preview below.

Wix.com

speeding up my eee pc

For the sake of privacy (as I am tired of having strange unknowns follow me on twitter), I have disabled the twitter feed in my previous post.

Recently, having completed all my assignments, I have been fiddling quite a bit with my eee pc in a bid to improve its performance without actually reformatting it. The previous additional and removal of several programs for work purposes, coupled with inherent flaws in win xp has left my eee pc rather weak with slow boot and shutdown times.

After trying several alternatives, here's what I have tested and proven to be useful:

Regedit
http://www.pcstats.com/articleview.cfm?articleid=1590&page=32
Follow the instructions and edit your registry so that win xp kills applications fast when shutting down.

Bootvis
http://articles.techrepublic.com.com/5100-10878_11-5034622.html
Run a boot+trace using Bootvis so as to optimize your boot time. Typically, this method can shave about 10-20% of your boot time.

Have fewer start-up programs
Adobe Reader and Windows Live Messenger are some programs that you probably won't need at start-up, so strike them off your startup list.

Modifying your desktop appearance
Turn off large icons, use windows classic, disable themes... just be old school and forget aesthetics.

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Twittering...

I haven't been updating in quite a while because I feel uninspired and am being buried under homework (by the way, this is NOT retribution). It's easier to twitter and given my latest twitterfox add-on, I may just twitter from Firefox as my way of updating you. See below. All you have to do to see me micro-blogging without ever updating my blogger blog is to keep refreshing this page for the twitter updates below.

REMOVED by owner
I have since decided to remove the twitter updates for privacy reasons... but you can still follow me by joining twitter. :)

Friday, October 24, 2008

Foxkeh, the Firefox mascot!

Firefox ブラウザ無料ダウンロード

Foxkeh is the mascot of Mozilla Firefox, which I think is a much better and far more customizable browser than Internet Explorer. For websites which refuse to yield to (i.e. load properly in) Firefox, there is always a magical add-on called IE tab. Cheers!

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

部落格宣言

有人说我很少更新部落格,叫他们快闷坏了。

在互联网方兴未艾,web 2.0科技仍未诞生的时候,人们如果要记录生活点滴,不外乎拍傻瓜相(傻瓜相机拍的相片),偶尔写写日记,纯粹是个人作息,自娱却未必娱人。或许曾经经历过那个年代的朋友们,还会怀念发泄给自己听,无需潜意识过滤千百种每日记事可能引发的突发状况的单纯岁月。

如今,部落格或许是你们宣泄的平台,或许是你们交友的管道,但绝对不是私密的堡垒,也不是捍卫个人主权的地域。所以,曾几何时,因为一些原因,我觉得,我已经失去了blog的动机。更何况,如果我的生活就是那么平淡和自我的话,又怎么可能和日新月异的娱乐新闻和社论版相媲美呢?

如果觉得一个人不论写什么、怎么写,都能引起兴趣,那充其量只是窥探隐私的心作祟。有人说过,多达八成的商业秘密是在公用厕所里头泄漏的。就算在最封闭,最隔离的空间里头,只要有人,就会有八卦。无心插柳柳成荫,无意说语语成谶。后面那句是我补上的。

我当然不是说浏览和经营部落格是种罪过,因为我也脱不了这宗指控。只不过,对于尤其敏感的行业而言,部落格像是一个露天厕所。使用者自卫、自危。

(原本要介绍我的新科技玩具。。。怎么写了一大堆不相干的。。。)

Monday, October 20, 2008

还有一个月的课

实习完后,回到xx学院自己当学生,觉得生活和工作的节奏都很难调整回来。倒不是课业多得可怕,只是两个环境的步伐就是不一样啊。。。

日子过得再怎么浑浑噩噩,也过了将近两个月了。很快就会收到到学校报到的通知了。不知能否如愿?

无论如何,人生有时候就是事与愿违。只能期望对得起应该对得起的人,希望不会被人心和人性的软弱所吞噬。