Introduction

It has been said that a theory is a set of rules that enables us to predict results. We want children to learn, workers to perform better in their jobs, and everyone to feel the satisfaction that comes with learning something new. Educational theories thus provide a foundation for better planning and learning by presenting what we know about learning.

This WebQuest will help you develop a better understanding of what a theory is and why theories are important. It also encourages you to understand the concept of applied theory by identifying and reviewing an online learning program through the prism of a particular educational theory.

This WebQuest provides the opportunity to:

• locate and review sites on the world wide web that describe, review, and posit theory related to education;
• focus on a particular theory of interest to you;
• review the results of theory in action, seeing if theory is influencing web learning in any discernible ways;
• document your findings to share with 810 course participants.

Along the way, you will:

• access and use technology and the world wide web;
• hone web searching skills;
• learn more about a theory that intrigues you;
• become familiar with the educational activity know as a WebQuest, developed by SDSU's own Bernie Dodge.

To accomplish your task, complete the following steps:

1. Review conceptual information and examples of educational theories by visiting all three websites:
   
   
   1. Funderstanding
   2. Theory into Practice Database
   3. http://hagar.up.ac.za/catts/ole/lro/lroref.html
      
      
2. Next, choose a specific theory that intrigues you.
   
   
3. Now, using a search engine (i.e., Yahoo or Alta Vista) locate additional web-based resources which speak to your selected theory. Need help on how to conduct an effective and efficient search online? Take a look at this guide for better searching.
   
   
4. Can you find examples of the theory in action? Find an educational program or product that makes the theory come alive? Look at Lightspan.com. Visit the Blue Web'n Knowledge Network Explorer. Consider examples at Allen Interactions.
   
   
5. Identify one program that demonstrates the application of a particular educational theory.
   
   
6. Share and define the theory. Explain how this learning product provides an example of the theory. Screen captures would help make your points. Now that you see the theory in action, do you like the way it plays out? How could it be better? This assignment should be no longer than two pages.
   
   
7. Prepare to submit a hard copy of your paper to Professor Rossett.

Effective reviews will include the following:

• A clear, effective statement and definition of your selected theory and why it is of particular interest to you.
• The name and URL (address) of the identified website.
• A succinct description of the website, its theory-based approach, and your opinions about it, responding to the questions above.
• If you were unable to find a worthy example of your theory, pick an existing web learning site, and detail how the selected theory would improve it.