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Friday, February 21, 2014

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


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 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/

4 comments:

  1. The Turtle Diary seems really interesting! I am a huge fan of creative, spontaneous, writing-especially with children. According to Roblyer and Doering, visual design is most important when using a website (255). The diary seems to keep children interested. do you think the site is too dated for a pre-teen? Do you think the site will get the same reaction from a 10 or 11 year old?

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  2. Tamarous, the site has sections for grades K-3 and has 4th and 5th grade sections coming soon. I think as long as the appropriate section is selected it will continue to engage even the older students.

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  3. Tabitha, I agree that this next generation has the savvy to quickly adapt to the changing technological world. One of the Internet features that I find interesting is Avatar Spaces. In that virtual world a person has the choice to create a life-like avatar or they can create a fantasy figure. "Using avatar spaces in education are limited but have great potential for fostering visual literacy, motivating students to develop writing skills that involve visual design" (Roblyer & Doering 223). I think its also space where teachers could interact with their students in a closed environment.

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  4. I love the e-learning site it was so colorful and easy to navigate. According to Robyler & Doering (2013), "Pages are designed for good readability and aesthetics" (p. 255). I really feel like this page met the criteria. I also really enjoyed how they had lessons listed by sections and grade levels. Great resource! :-)

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