WIT Homeroom Module:
Create Activities for the Web

Developed by Michelle Warden, Ellen Dairyko, Heather Meunier, and Christie Thomas.

The purpose of the Create Activities for the Web module is to prepare WIT Basic and WIT participants to both evaluate and develop engaging, web-based lessons.  As we complete 
the module you will be proceeding through five learning steps.  We will further facilitate our 
learning by creating a  KWL chart as we proceed through these five steps. The Create 
Activities for the Web module's five steps will proceed as follows:

STEP 1
You will use the World Wide Web to develop a working definition of Engaged Learning.

STEP 2
You will explore motives for the use of web-based lessons; and the potential of web-based 
lessons for Engaged Learning strategies.

STEP 3
You will use the World Wide Web to experience and develop a critical eye towards existing web-based lessons.

STEP 4
You will now consolidate what you have learned and consider potential applications relevant 
to your own professional circumstances.

STEP 5
Finally you will create and publish your own web-based lesson. 
 
 

Step One

Step Two

Step Three

Step Four

Step Five

STEP 1

To begin, let's answer the burning question: "What is engaged learning?"  Work with a partner 
to review 2 of these sites.  List at least five elements you find todescribe an engaged learning 
activity or lesson. Then, together, write a brief definition for engaged learning.
http://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/engaged.htm
http://www.arp.sprnet.org/admin/supt/eval.htm
http://www.siue.edu/~jandris/education/questc.html
http://www.siue.edu/~jandris/engaged/engaged.html

Return to the Top
 

STEP 2

You are now ready start thinking about what a web-based, engaged learning lesson would 
look like. Read the questions below for the K and W part of our KWL chart. Your mentor 
will ask you to share your thoughts with the group. 

K - What do you know? 
You have some ideas about engaged learning, but what is a web-based lesson?
How is it different from the lessons that you already use in your classroom? And...
Why create a web-based lesson?

W - What do you want to know about creating a web-based lesson? 
What do you hope to learn in this session? 

Return to the Top

STEP 3

It helps to know what a good lesson and/or activity looks like before trying to make one, 
so take a look at some of the lessons in the table below. Compare the on-line lessons you 
visit and tell why you think one would be more or less effective than another, or if you like 
everything you see, tell why. Use the following list of possible criteria as a guide:

     Technical
     1. software requirements - Are most computers already equipped or will 
     it require downloading of software for many users?
     2. download time - How fast or slow does it take for the page to appear? 
     3. ease of navigation - Can you figure out what to do or how to find what you 
     are looking for easily? 
     4. versatility - What tools are used to enhance the look and interaction such 
     as, sound, graphics, links, talking books, etc...?

     Educational
     1. appeal - Is the design visually appealing to it's intended audience? 
     2. activities - Are there on-line interactive activities for the students?
     3. flexibility - Does it address variance in sensory, motor, motivational, 
     emotional makeup, and previous experience with language, literacy, and culture? 
     Do these need to be universal and/or broad ranging or specific to your 
     particular group of students?

Return to the Top

STEP 4

You are now nearing the end of your web-based learning journey.  Let's see what you have 
learned.  Complete the L part of the KWL chart. 

L - What have you learned?  What do you think are the components of an effective and 
engaging, web-based lesson?  When would a web-based lesson be preferable to a pen 
and paper assignment or activity?  Share your answers with the group. 

Return to the Top

STEP 5

You are now ready to create a web activity of your own! 

1. Pick a topic that you are comfortable with and will use in your classroom. 

2. Consider the guidelines we used to evaluate other sites when deciding what to 
include in your site.  Also see Components of a web-based lesson plan.

3. Remember, an activity for the web should be fully integrated into your curriculum.    
There should be clear goals for the students and learning objectives that address the 
standards set by your school district.  For further guidance in planning your lesson
check out this Chicago Public Schools site and the Illinois State Goals site.  Look at 
the teacher guide for this module (link below) to see the components usually addressed, 
such as: aim statement, goals and objectives, pre-requisites, etc..

4. Finally, have fun!  
 

Oh! One more thing before you go.  Please fill out an online  evaluation
of this lesson.  Thank you.
 
 

Return to Top

Teaching Guide

Why Web Based

Worksheet

Resources