Web-Quest at Harris Hill

I had the chance to see some great integration of technology at Harris Hill the other day.  Student’s went to the computer lab and had to take on the identity of a Japanese students, as they are studying Japan.  Then using a web quest set up by the computer lab teacher they had to choose their favorite Japanese food, favorite after school activity, favorite school subject, etc.  They did this by searching previously selected websites about each topic.  They were told to take notes on each topic then as a follow up activity they made books about themselves as a Japanesestudent.  It was so neat to see these children navigating the Internet and reading and writing.  Unfortunately some of the websites they tried to visit had expired but enough were there to finish the project.  When the students were done with their assignment they started racing each other on typing exercises.  They were amazing.  Typing away without looking at the keyboard, and doing very well.  What else was nice about this is that the students stayed on task and needed very little if any teacher intervention.  I have learned a lot this semester about technology in education but this was my first chance to see it in action.  Neat!!