WebLabs model

Definition[edit | edit source]

We refer to WebLabs as an instructional design model: “The model of learning in WebLabs is that children design, model, reflect, share and comment on each others' evolving knowledge of mathematical and scientific ideas. The pedagogic approach in WebLabs is to motivate and foster model building, collaboration and critique.” ( Pedagogical Model, retrieved 20:19, 21 July 2006 (MEST) )

The model[edit | edit source]

This model draws from various socio-constructivist thoughts and insists on well defined scenarios (activity sequences).

Its main components are according to the pedagogical model page:

Motivation: Teacher leads an introduction into the activity sequence.
Group discussion: Teacher-led sharing of ideas about
Group web report: Teacher-led writing of an initial group web report
Designing: Small group discussion about how to model the situation (build from scratch, use preparred tools or models from another site).
Modelling: Work with the computer
Group Sharing: Teacher-led sharing of products, comparison. Also debugging and setting of new challenges. Back to modelling if needed.
Group Reflection: Teacher-led discussion of what has been done
Group web report: Teacher-led writing of a report (including working models).

It is is noteworthy that each group activity takes place in different sites (web labs created within the WebReports system) and can feed into each other.

Software[edit | edit source]

ToonTalk is the authoring environment used to build models.
Models build with ToonTalk
WebReports is the web-based collaborative workspace.

Links[edit | edit source]

WebLabs home page.

References[edit | edit source]

Y. Mor, J. Tholander & J. Holmberg (2005), Designing for cross-cultural web-based knowledge building. Presented at 10th anniversary Computer Supported Collaborative Learning (CSCL) conference, 30 May - 4 June 2005, Taipei, Taiwan. Reprint

Matos, J.F & Santos, M., Global view of WebLabs from a Communities of Practice's point of view, PDF