RSA #5 - Resource-Based Learning using Interactive Blogs (Weebly)

Weebly.com

it4explore.weebly.com (Our 4th Grade Site)

This week’s readings focused on resource-based learning. In the past, resourced based learning referred to a method where resources were used in a supplemental fashion. However, technological advancements changed the paradigm as endless resources could now be accessed for a plethora of topics, "including access to resources in contexts not previously available, increased flexibility in their use, and ready availability, manipulability, and sharability." (Hill, 2001)

Presently, resource-based learning is based on the ability to choose from all available media, research, material, and web based technology to find the best match of content presentation for the individual student’s learning style. A teacher is responsible for locating resources and design the framework of the activities to help students achieve their academic goal. The key to success in resource-based learning is ensuring that the learning design engages students with multiple resources that appeal to their own preferences, interests, and skills. As with inquiry based learning, the teacher facilitates student-driven learning by assisting the student while allowing the student to direct the journey of knowledge and choice of resources.

I believe an excellent resource to facilitate resource-based learning is through an interactive class blog or website. While there are many great options, I am going to focus this post on weebly.com. Weebly blog have a variety of amazing features, but I will be addressing how a weebly blog can be used to promote resource-based learning, as my fellow 4th grade teachers and I had a fantastic experience doing so last year. Our unit-based websites proved extremely successful in engaging students and as a central location for materials,  resources, and discussions. Using the site, we, the teachers, were able to collaborate, organize, and share resources we found independently by adding to the site, rather than a long string of emails back and forth with long, unmanageable urls. This helped us organize all of our resources in a lasting way which becomes more comprehensive with each use. This is especially true because once students began using the Weebly page, we were able to facilitate inter-class study and research groups, with students writing, reflecting, and sharing resources they had found independently. Students were engaged because they were continually were exposed to new sources on a daily basis, in addition to the fact that they loved finding that “cool”, new site other students were using. This independent exploration of sources drastically increased student ownership and led the way to truly authentic and long lasting knowledge. 

SOURCES:
Hill, Janette R., and Michael J. Hannafin. "Teaching and learning in digital environments: The resurgence of resource-based learning." Educational Technology Research and Development 49.3 (2001): 37-52.