The second module of our technology class is focused on safely navigating, evaluating, and using the Internet in the classroom. In this post, I will be discussing ways you and your students can find quality information online, a couple of educational websites I like to use, and one way to keep your information secure online.
Search Engines & Web Navigation
There are a few tips to finding quality information online. One of them is to look at what the URL ends with: .edu, .org, and .gov are typically going to be reliable websites.In the textbook, Roblyer (2016) references "three guidelines for teaching students good searching skills:
"1. Do not give research assignments that can be done with a quick Google search. Make assignments that require a thoughtful search.
2. Teach students to search with keywords, rather than with questions.
3. Show them how they can use advanced search tools to narrow their searches." (pg. 184)
Website Evaluation
The video below references Kathy Schrock's The 5 W's of Web Site Evaluation (a one-page PDF, free for classroom use).
The 5 W's (Who, What, When, Where, Why) are familiar to students and would be easy to remember for evaluating websites. The PDF linked above would be handy placed near computers for students!
Favorite Professional Websites
Scholastic - Who doesn't love the book fair?As it turns out, they do a lot more than just book fairs. Scholastic's website offers tons of resources for both teachers and parents. (The link provided takes you to the teacher resources - lesson materials, videos, activities and more! They even offer a list of websites for teachers.)
In our textbook, Roblyer (2016) provided a checklist for evaluating websites, and Scholastic's website checks off basically everything: easy navigation, quality content, appropriate media, an appealing visual design, and information on how to contact the website's moderators. (pg. 198)
PBS Learning Media - Like Scholastic, PBS Learning Media offers many resources for teachers. It gives you the ability to browse state and national education standards, as well as search for specific resources based on topic, grade level, subject, and format.Based on Roblyer's (2016) checklist, PBS Learning Media is a quality website for many of the same reasons listed above for Scholastic: easy navigation, quality content, appropriate media, and an appealing visual design. (pg. 198)
Online Safety & Security
 |
| No, not that kind of cookie! |
In the textbook, Roblyer (2016) talks about cookies, which "provide the server with information that can help personalize Web activity to your needs." (pg. 175) Basically, cookies collect information (such as browsing history) to make your online experience more personal (such as creating targeted advertisements).
It sounds creepy, but they're also designed to be helpful; cookies are used to remember your login/profile information on websites, or to remember your location so websites can give you relevant information (such as local weather). Here are some suggestions about managing cookies on your computers and devices.
There you have it - I hope this information has been helpful! See you all for Module 3. 😉
Roblyer, M.D. (2016). Integrating Educational Technology into Teaching. New Jersey: Pearson
Betsy, Your blog posts are so enjoyable to read! I also loved the Scholastic Website. I found so many amazing resources on that site. When it comes to safety, it is so important that our students know the dangers of using the Internet and educate them on possible hazards. Robyler (2016) refers to the trail we leave behind on the Internet as our digital footprint (p.176) and it is important to discuss these topics with our students to help them become more responsible and knowledgeable of the dangers of the Internet. Great post! I can't wait to read more!
ReplyDeleteWhen I was younger, I never really thought about my digital footprint. I'm sure thinking about it now! I agree it's important to educate our students about their own digital footprints and how to responsibly conduct themselves online. Thanks, Amanda! (I also just realized today I totally stole your blog title... whoops!)
DeleteAgain, I say what a job of a blog to read! You are a great writer! I also had the same citation I wanted to use as Amanda,Robyler (2016) refers to the trail we leave behind on the Internet as our digital footprint (p.176) We must be so careful what we post out there to the world. As discussed in class, things like that can come back to haunt you in an interview! We personally must practice safe use of the internet and teach our students the same thing. Honestly, I loved the way you explained "cookies" but not the real kind ;) Also, have you ever been able to use a PBS video in one of your lessons yet?
ReplyDeleteJust to let you know, I am super jealous about how cute and put together your blog always is!
ReplyDeleteI love the part of your blog you put in about "Byrne's three guidelines for teaching students good searching skills" (page 184). Those can be very helpful for us new coming up teachers. You would think that we would have already known to use those guidelines. I guess it just takes some time to think of some guidelines to help teachers out.