Why+WBLTs?

=** Why Use WBLTs? **=

**Monitor:** Michael

**Reasons why WBLTs are effective?**
 * **Self paced:** easy to use; learners can go through at their own pace.
 * **Self directed:** if there are topics of a particular interest, students have the ability to move to them; student s can choose the appropriate level (easy, moderate or difficult).
 * **Prompt Feedback:** students are given instant feedback as to his/her understanding of the concepts.
 * **Real-World Applications:** technology can be used to cover topics that would not be able to be done otherwise. It can simulate many real-world situations. The information is accurate, as detailed as is necessary, and is culturally appropriate.
 * **Engaging:** interactive; stimulates interest through learning //with// technology; animation and its audio-visual qualities are attractive and effective.
 * **Scaffolded:** concepts are presented incrementally.
 * **Documentation:** its potential uses, effectiveness, glossary of terms, sample lesson plans, and quizzes can accompany the WBLT.
 * **Experimentation:** students can investigate different scenarios by changing the given parameters, answering "what if" questions.
 * **Accessibility:** these can easily meet the needs of a student's individual learning styles and/or needs.

** Reasons why WBLTs might not be effective? **
 * **Poor Design:** some tools may only reinforce memorization and rote learning by providing a simple remember and regurgitate model. Others may not be very interactive, engaging, or have inferior graphics or layout. Also the material may be presented in a way that is not in keeping with the manner in which it is to be evaluated.
 * **Prerequisite Knowledge:** care must be taken to ensure that students have the necessary knowledge, skills and instructions that are needed to use the tools effectively.
 * **Collaboration:** if students use WBLTs only in isolation, they may not benefit from learning within a community.
 * **T** **echnical Problems:** with hardware/software, or access to them.
 * **Improper Use:** there must be an appropriate amount of time given to allow students to use them successfully. The tools must be integrated effectively into the overall course/lesson design.