Using a Web
site with your classes
Do
Web Sites Promote Learning?
Three things to consider:
1. How is the navigational set up designed?
The navigational set up of some sites are so confusing that you're not
even sure where to go. One page that we just rejected to list in the TeAch-nology.com
database had icons that stated "For Lesson Plans, Click Here!" However,
when you clicked on that icon you got a listing of the author's favorite
subjects to teach. These types of navigation are frustrating. To avoid
confusing your students, check the set-up. If it makes sense to you, students
should be able to follow.
2. Is the site interactive to the point that it makes students think?
The beauty of the Internet is that it offers a level of interactivity
that is equivalent to what students can receive in the classroom. Look
for sites that make your students think. Most teachers will use sites
that just offer facts. In some cases, this can't be avoided because many
times the content that you are looking to present is not offered by any
site in an interactive manner. Interactivity is not a pre-requisite; but,
a site that is interactive is going to keep students' attention.
3. Does it contain any inappropriate material?
Most sites police their own content well. But, all sites are run by
humans and humans make mistakes. Almost every site on the Internet has
external links to other web sites. This is where you have to be careful.
Let's say a site links to www.happy.com. If an adult site buys the name
www.happy.com and changes the content, then there's a problem. In most
cases, you have to trust that the site will not post any inappropriate
links. So, make sure to view all of the content on a site to ensure that
it is suitable for your students. Do not take another person's word or
opinion about a site since we all have varying degrees of judgement. Trust
is a difficult thing on the Internet.
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