Evaluating Internet Websites

There are so many websites out there on the internet, and so much information, which makes it hard to discern the accurate and "true" information with those that are fake and inaccurate. In most instances it takes deeper digging to find the truth, than the surface information that is given, but often times people only take the information at face value, citing a "lack of time". I too, often just take information at face value and don't dig any deeper.

It not only takes time to find a reliable source, but internet saavy. I never would have known to click the bottom of the page to find information about the author. Without knowing who the author is, it is hard to know whether the information is authentic. Therefore, I would not want my students to use it as a reliable source.

Google Earth

I use Google Earth all the time. It has so many functions that I use for different things just about every day. Sometimes I get directions, or just see what is around town.

I have done a couple projects with it for a few classes, and would definitely use it in my classroom. It makes the world so much more accessible for students. In my general science class last term, I did a project where I created an interactive map featuring tectonic plates, and underwater volcanoes. It was a great tool to not only learn the material, but presented it in a way that was both exciting and informative. I would highly recommend using Google Earth in the classroom because it is informative, fun and easy to use.

iMovie

I really enjoyed making our group's video advertisement for Blister Block. It was a lot of fun, and very easy to get creative. I wish we could have spent more time making videos, because there are so many things we could do with them!

Our group did have some difficulties, like transferring our first takes from the SD card of the camera to the computer. Unfortunately we had to re-shoot some video, but were able to make up ground. iMovie is pretty easy to use once you get the hang of it. I wish that we had made a few of our transitions a little slower, and played around with some of the features more, but overall I liked our project.

Photoshop

I really enjoyed learning how to use photoshop. I have wanted to learn for a while, and kept trying to use it, but never new how to get it to work. I think that photoshop is a good tool, but also has its dangers depending on what it is used for. I'm not exactly sure how I would use photoshop in the classroom, but I could easily be creative with it.

Week 1!!!!!

I have been so amazed at all of the programs out there that can be used in my future classroom!! Web 2.0 and Big Huge Labs are such amazing resources. I have been addicted to them ever since I heard about them in class. There are so many different applications and sites that I could use in the future for my students, and want to use right now for fun!

Big Huge Labs has so many options to personalize my classroom, and to get students thinking creatively. Web 2.0 is probably the greatest directory of websites that I have seen. There are so many engaging and beneficial websites for students to learn from. I especially like the Tikatok application. Kids can create their own book from a story that they have written. Having a real book created not only gives kids motivation to create something meaningful, but will give them a sense of pride and ownership over something that they have accomplished. Having a book that they created is both validating and inspiring, and will keep them wanting more. That is just one example of the many learning opportunities that are now available because of this amazing technology!

Media Literacy

The ability to not only read and understand new media sources, but to be able to effectively and creatively use them are vitally important to teach to our students. As with any form of communication, it is not only important for our students to understand what has been presented to them, but to understand how to create forms of communication for themselves to present their ideas to others. We need our students to be active participants in their learning, not be passive listeners while we show them all of the information that has been previously found.

Using the Internet and other forms of media are an amazing way to get students hands on exposure to the types of things they will encounter in the real world. Students will be more prepared for the world outside of the classroom, and will benefit from the freedom of being able to share their opinion and creativity with everyone around them. Technology has enabled teachers and students to be more interactive, engaging, and creative in how lessons are taught, and information is delivered or found.