An Online Learning Assignment integrating Literacy, Science, and Technology

Boulware, J (2005). An Online Learning Assignment Integrating Literacy, Science, and Technology. Journal of Reading Education, 31, Retrieved 04/04/2007, from http://vnweb.hwwilsonweb.com.libproxy.chapman.edu:2048/hww/results/results_single.jhtml;
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The writer was reviewing the challenge faces the undergraduate pre-service teachers in weaving technology assignment into undergraduate literacy and science course without losing content. The pre-service teachers need to creatively incorporate technology in their lesson plan and delivery in their field placements. The writer selected a web quest format to meet this need as the web quest integrates research supported theories and effective use of the internet in a way that increases students achievement. He went further to say that, using this format, teacher preparation faculty will find creative ideas for integrating literacy, science and technology which can be adapted and used by their pre-service teacher in their school placements. The writer described web quest as inquiry oriented activity in which students use communication technologies including the internet to find all information they need, web quest combines authentic learning across subject areas( reading , writing , social studies and science) with internet resources.
In the traditional reading approach which consists of teaching vocabulary, a re-reading activity, a during reading activity and a post reading activity, the faculty worked with pre-service student in developing web quests using children’s literature designed to involve and engage primary students in meaningful reading activity with informational science trade books. The writer assured that by developing web quests, using non- fiction trade books, the undergraduate students have online tools to teach their students to make connections across subject areas.
Pre-service teachers can use the materials being put on the web quests to enhance literacy teaching and acquire basic science concepts.
I think that, using web quests in teaching/ learning is helpful to both students and teachers. Teachers can plan lessons design with tasks, activities, homework and assignment embedded with specific instructions on each page, additional links for student’s assignment and more online resources. Web quest also helps students work individually or in groups to present their assignments using one of the technological tools, such as power point, Publisher, Windows movie maker or blogs.
In a real life experience at defense Language Institute (DLI), I used to give my students some assignments, using web quest to search online about the wildfire in California State. And present their finding in a ten- minute presentation, using power point. The purpose for this web quest is to:-
- Teach our students how to search online to get information.
- Talk about the topic in the target language.
- Enhance language skills.
I conclude that using web quest as an educational aid for teaching/ learning is a helpful tool, especially in teaching language. It offers students an opportunity to integrate all the language skills in one project assignment, consequently helps students to go towards language proficiency.


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