Just Do I.T.!

If properly done, we believe Instructional Technology has many facets, but at its heart is the concept of Information Fluency (I.F.). I.F. is a systematic way of turning information into wisdom. This process contains many elements of TheBig6 and Problem-Based Learning (Learner-Centered Classrooms, Problem-Based Learning, and the Construction of Understanding and Meaning by Students). As students begin using more and more electronic resources, especially the Internet, they must be taught to mindful of their sources. So validation of resources must be taught.

A tool that can be effectively be used to support I.F. is the idea of WebQuests (LISD WebQuest Page). "WebQuests are designed to use learners' time well, to focus on using information rather than looking for it, and to support learners' thinking at the levels of analysis, synthesis and evaluation."* This is, however, not the only way that telecomunications and the Internet can be used to support I.F. Judy Harris, a faculty member at the University of Texas at Austin, has many tools to help teachers develop telecommunications-based lessons (Virtual Architecture's Web Home, WWW Projects: Activity Structures, Curriculum-Based Telecomputing, Electronic Emissary Home Page).

* Bernie Dodge