Information Architecture for the Web: Information Architecture

Many libraries provide links to instructional materials in K12 subject areas. They also may provide adult literacy or ESL materials.

Many students and teachers are working together to create instructional projects that include case studies, virtual field trips, practice, simulations, and tutorials.

Visit West Elementary in Loogootee, Indiana uses the web as a way to teach others about what they are learning in their classes.

Case Studies

In case studies, the student is usually presented with a single or series of problems, incidents, or situations. They would explore information in the web, link to other sites, and make recommendations to solve the problem. Ask students to pretend they are buying a new car. They can use the web to price the car, hunt for good financing rates, and compare insurance coverage.

Learning Guides

Tutorials, guides, ideas, and links are often available at online libraries to assist people with study, research, and information skills. Some also provide tutorials related to using the computer or other technology. Many libraries focus on how patrons can use the process information (i.e., Big6). Some libraries also provide materials on issues and topics such as citing sources, copyright, and censorship.

Go to Ten Minute Tutorials from Richland County Public Library and examine their materials.

Virtual Field Trips

These online trips can take people to places they couldn't otherwise visit. Sometimes visits are real-time, live interactive experiences, other trips are recordings from past trips or simulated field trips such as trips to the moon. Many classes create virtual field trips using the photographs they take on live field trips to places such as parks and museums.

Practice and Testing

Internet provides many ways for students to practice new concepts. There are also opportunities for testing. Many teachers use sites such as Quia to create online quizzes for their class. Piano on the Net teaches users to play the piano.

Simulations

Online simulations help students apply their skills to "real life" situations by providing an environment to manipulate variables, examine relationships, and make decisions. They may be used to prepare students for a field trip or real experiment. For example, frog dissection simulations are commonly used in biology. While some simulations have a particular mission to accomplish, others are intended to help students explore a particular situation or environment. In most cases, simulations should be used as a culminating activity after students have basic skills in the concepts being addressed in the web site. Without the background skills, the simulation may become a game rather than a meaningful learning experience.

Tutorials