What are WELES?

Web-Enhanced Learning Environment Strategies, or WELES, are models illustrating how Web-based resources can be used to enhance instruction. WELES are based on contemporary learning theory and exemplary teaching practices in the classroom. These models are based on an understanding about how people learn and an understanding of the resources offered by the Web.

WELES were developed as a result of an intense review of the current educational environment, teaching practices, existing educational and information Web resources, and reported best practices of using Web resources in the classroom. The intent of these WELES is to provide teachers with models and ideas of how their existing science, math and technology lesson plans can be enhanced by incorporating Web resources.

The WELES include Inquisitory Presentation (discovery learning), Collaborative Learning, Expository Presentation (telling), Generative Learning, Anchored Instruction, and Problem-based Learning. Each strategy addresses a different method of teaching or learning in the classroom.

The first three (ICE) WELES address the "who and how" of instruction. For example, all three focus on how students are involved in the learning process. During Inquisitory Presentation the teachers is prompting the student to discover relationships between concepts, whereas in Expository Presentation the teacher is providing the student with the facts and concepts associated with the lesson. Collaborative Learning focuses on providing a learning environment where students work together to "build" knowledge.

The second three (GAP) WELES address the results and context of the instruction. For example, Generative Learning is concerned with providing an environment where students can physically and mentally "play" with subject matter and form a relationship between concepts – knowledge. Anchored Instruction and Problem-based Learning are strategies that focus on providing realistic environments and pose problems which students can work to solve, while learning the associated concepts.

Each of these strategies can be enhanced, made more interactive, contextualized, realistic, and interesting, by incorporating appropriate Web resources. This section provides examples of how Web resources (described in the "Use the Web" Model) can be used to enhance each of the WELES.
 

How do I learn more about WELES?

The next section describes each of the WELES in two ways:

• Overall description of the WELES
• Enhancing lessons using Web resources - examples

Overall description of the WELES

This section provides an overview of each of the WELES including an introductory statement and a definition and list of attributes of each of the strategies. Then, suggestions are provided on how Web resources can be used to enhance each strategy. A reflection section is provided to prompts thoughts about a specific lesson, the learning outcomes expected, how the lesson strategy will facilitate the learning outcome, and how Web resources could be used to enhance the lesson strategy and learning outcomes. Reflecting on these components of a lesson will provide an opportunity to think about how to link together the learning outcomes, lesson description, and Web resources

Enhancing lessons using the web - examples

Posed as questions, this section provides several examples of exemplary Web sites and resources and a description of how they can be used in each of the WELES. The questions addressed include:

• Web sites are provided which describe why this teaching or learning strategy works in the classroom.

• Ideas and examples of existing lesson plans are provided. Each is available on the Web and can be downloaded and used "as is" or with minor modification.

• An example of a lesson plan component is outlined illustrating how Web site can be used to enhance instruction. In this case, the same Web site is used for all of the WELES to demonstrate how a single Web site can be used in a variety of ways. This example is based on teaching and learning about volcanoes.

• Additional ideas and examples of science-based Web sites that can be used with each WELES are provided.