Since the 1970's , the Internet has become widely used in our daily lives. From a time where we had to physically do research for answers to just typing in a key word in a search box and the work is done for us, technology is now our main hub for research and entertainment. Roeblyer & Doering (2013) stated, "Web browsers are no longer just found on a desktop or laptop computer, but are now found on mobile devices such as smart phones and tablets"(p.214).
Google is one of the most popular
search engines today. Not only is Google user friendly, but it also has many
options available when searching the web. The “keyword” search made Google
stand out from the rest of the search engines. Just type the search word or
phrase and the search engine develops a list of websites who’s URL contain the
word or phrase (Roeblyer & Doering, 2013, p.219).
Web Site Evaluation Video
The following video
explains the main points for a website evaluation. I picked this video because
I think that the format (realistic situation) would keep the students' attention
and it’s easy to understand. It is very important
that students learn how to properly evaluate websites to determine reliable
sources. Roblyer & Doering (2013) stated, “ A website has to have good user
design, meaning that is easy for a user to experience the features of the
website”(p.225).
Favorite Web Site # 1
I found Education Oasis http://www.educationoasis.com/index.htm and noticed that it
had resources for all of the core subjects and available for both students and teachers.
I really liked the variety of options for each subject. I think this would be
beneficial to the student to utilize for all of their classes through one web
site. As a teacher, I have access to lesson plans, resources, printables,
organizers, etc. Utilization of templates as a first year teacher will save a
lot of time and decrease the workload.
Favorite Web Site # 2
I also like Wikispace and how user friendly it is. Wikis are a collection of web pages located in an online community that encourage collaboration and communication of ideas by having users contribute or modify content (Roeblyer & Doering, 2013, p.223). It allows the teacher to make the page their own and are not limited to what is included. It also gives the students an opportunity to create discussions with their classmates, study guides, projects, etc. I feel that this type of interaction is important in the classroom to keep the students motivated and have a sense of control of their progress throughout the semester. Roeblyer & Doering (2013) stated, "Many instructors use wikis both in their classes for their students to develop their own wikis or they develop wikis to communicate their own content"(p.223-224). Here is an example of a detailed but user friendly Wiki for a Science class.
References:
Roblyer,
M.D. and Doering, Aaron H. (2013). Integrating Educational Technology Into
Teaching (6th ed.). Pearson Education, Inc.
GCSC Library (February 12, 2013). Evaluating Websites. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aem3JahbXfk.
GCSC Library (February 12, 2013). Evaluating Websites. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aem3JahbXfk.
I like the website that you linked. The Education Oasis was very well designed. As soon as you opened the page it asked what you are looking for, so it was easy to navigate. Roblyer and Doering (2012) stated, “The first page of the site indicates clearly how to navigate to other features of the site” (p.255). This website did a great job of accomplishing that attribute. Teachers could really benefit from a site like this one. Do you think having a site that is easy to navigate makes searching easier or does having a “search the site” tab?
ReplyDeleteWebsite evaluation is important when discerning what information is reliable. Roblyer & Doering (2012) stated that, "young people must learn that blind acceptance of any information... is a risky practice" (p. 255). Other than presenting this video to your students, how would you encourage students to practice website evaluations?
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteAh!!! We used the same video! Great minds think alike :)
ReplyDeleteYou are right that the Internet is everywhere...I guess that is why this generation consists of "screenagers" (Roblyer & Doering, 2012, p.191). One big issue kids these days deal with are inappropriate materials (just think Kik and SnapChat) (p.214). As a teacher or a mentor, do you have any techniques to prevent inappropriate use of technology, at least in the classroom? I know most schools use firewalls, but in middle school we all knew proxies to get around the blocks #badtothebone. :)
(deleted previous comment because forgot to cite p. 214, my bad)