From URLs to Evaluations

URLs

Roblyer and Doering (2013) tells us that URL stands for “uniform resource locators” (p.216).  It is located at the top of the browser in the address box.  The first part of useful information the URL give us about the webpage is the domain name.  The domain name will usually tell us what type of information and/or topic(s) that may be covered on the site (Roblyer & Doering, 2013, p.216).  The second part of the URL that we should pay attention to is the domain designator.  This will tell us what type of group owns or runs the site, and this could also tell us how reliable the information may be (Roblyer & Doering, 2013, p. 217).  For example, a “.gov” site is likely to be very reliable because it is a government ran site; whereas, a “.com” site may need to be further evaluated because it is a business owned site.

Search Engines

By using search engines correctly, you will receive better information.  One way to help children receive better information while using search engines is by trying out a filtered search engine (Roblyer & Doering, 2013, p.219).  I think this is a great idea, especially for the younger elementary ages and other children who may be easily distracted or overwhelmed.  Another way to help find better information is by choosing your keywords carefully and when possible narrow your results down into categories (Roblyer & Doering, 2013, p. 219).

Favorite Web Site # 1

e-Learning for kids:

I really enjoy websites that allow students to play games.  Children these days are very “tech-savy” and enjoy technology.  I feel that children are more engaged when the games interact with them like these games do and the students will retain more as well.  This site is full of e-learning games and are based on grade level.  This site also has a good structure and is very well organized.  All you have to do is select a subject and a grade level and a list of fun filled games pop up.

Favorite Web Site #2

Turtle Diary:

Turtle Diary Kids Games is another e-learning site that I really like.  This site also has multiple subjects and are based on the grade level of the child.  However, I find this one is a little easier to navigate around on, especially for children.

Website Evaluation Video

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TF-HghTuCY4

References:

How to DIY. (2013). YouTube. Retrieved 02/20/2014 by https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TF-HghTuCY4

Roblyer, M. D., and Doering A. H. (2013).  Intergrating Educational Technology into Teaching. Boston: Pearson/ Allyn and Bacon.

The E-Learning for Kids Found. (n.d.) E-learning for Kids. Retrieved 02/20/14 from http://www.e-learningforkids.org/

Turtle Diary. (2014). Kids Games. Turtle Diary. Retrieved 02/20/14 from http://www.turtlediary.com/

Hypermedia & Multimedia

Commerical Hypermedia Product:
Cliffords Link
By clicking on the above link you will be redirected to a list of multiple Clifford the Big Red Dog interactive storybooks (Clifford the Big, 2014).  Interactive storybooks are pretty self-explainatory.  They are storybooks that students can interact with by being read to or with other fun activities embedded in the story (Roblyer & Doering, 2013, p.175). These stories would be good for Elementary classrooms to use in one of the many reading centers. This center could be set up on the classroom computer allowing the students to interact with the book itself.  This would also be helpful to ensure that learning is still happening even when the teacher cannot be right there to oversee it.  Some books even come with review games or quizzes to ensure the student was paying attention.

Chosen Multimedia Authoring Tool:
HyperStudio
This link is where you can download a free trail to the hypermedia production software as well as read up on some of the features it includes (Welcome to Roger, 2014).  The video displayed on the front page really impressed me.  If you have time you really should take a look at it.   A student created that video to present her audience with information on the Earth's core.  I was very impressed. But this is not the only way this software can be used.   I think using this tool to allow students to have a video diary of their favorite parts of the week would be a fun and creative way for students to recap what they learned that week.  It would also allow for the teacher to review what is working in the classroom and what is not.  However, the options are endless.  One teacher used this software to have her students complete a presentation on a disease for health class. They included videos of themselves, attractive pictures, and key points. The following video shows an example of one of her student's work (RattlerPT, 2010).