Website Evaluation Form

Evaluator:

Website Title:

Website URL:

Grade Level(s):

Website’s Primary Purpose(s)/Curricular Goal(s):

Accuracy:   Spelling Errors/Grammatical Errors (circle)              Yes            No

                    Factual Sources Cited (circle)                                    Yes            No

                    Graphs Clearly Labeled/Easy to Read  (circle)          Yes            No

Other Subjects:

Objectivity: Suitable for Grade Level (circle)             Yes           No

                    Advertisement Free (circle)                      Yes            No

Ease of Use: User Friendly (circle)            Yes            No

Students with_________________disabilities will find this site . . .                                                                                                                            

(circle)                     easy to use            problematic

Is it fun? Why or Why not?

Summarize the sites educational value, student benefits, and flaws:

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Technology Journey 1 (excerpts)             

"Despite the benefits, the promise of power is dangerous to those of us who have fallen behind, technologically speaking. We are the ones left behind without jobs, the ability to monitor are children’s recreational use of the internet, and the inability to catch up to those who already possess these skills." 

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Before I began this computer course for educators, I felt technologically helpless. Has my opinion changed? Take a look below!

    At the beginning of this computer course for future educators, I felt very concerned and frustrated. I had little experience with computers, and I felt rushed to finish the in-class projects. However, each time I conquered a task I realized that I could take on something a little more challenging.

    Now, I know that if I utilize the resources available online, at school, or ask for guidance from a knowledgeable source I can accomplish anything. I’m no longer afraid to test the waters when I’m using new software or basic applications. Also, the skills I’ve learned have been particularly beneficial with regards to my education and future career. I’ve learned how to create concept maps, fliers, e-portfolios, and utilize various online resources.

    Class homework assignments consisted of unfinished projects and weekly readings. The readings contained a wealth of information that affected the way I view technology. The educational benefits of technology appear to be limitless. Despite this fact, technology can be dangerous if used inappropriately. The most critical issue we face at this time is educating our children about the dangers the Internet poses. We must address how to evaluate information online, internet safety rules, appropriate us policies, and how parents can stay informed about their child’s Internet uses.

   Most importantly, we want to know what drives our students to utilize the internet, because then we may be able to connect their activities to educational activities. I plan to teach my students Internet safety rules, as well as their parents. I’d like to utilize role-playing in my classroom to re-enact problematic situations that often occur online. Furthermore, I’d like to create a workshop for parents who are interested in gaining more knowledge of Internet uses and safety.

    During the course of the semester, I’ve used many types of technology. However, I’m sure the technology I will utilize most in the future will be educational software, because it’s readily available and user friendly. The Internet will remain my primary resource for searching out lesson plans, communicating with colleagues, and locating obscure information. I’d like to recreate an e-portfolio that highlights my professional growth, despite the fact that my current e-portfolio has been a formidable task. Microsoft word has been an invaluable tool this semester. I’ve drafted essays, created fliers, formatted lesson plans, and in the past I created a news letter using clip art. It just goes to show that it never hurts to go back to the basics, and educators should keep this in mind before they rush out and buy overpriced software.

    Building a Web page is the most difficult task that I accomplished this semester. Netscape created a lot of problems and confusion for my class, but most of us overcame. I can imagine that other types of software would make this process less painful. On that note, I’d like to create a Web Page for my own class some day soon.

     Technology progresses rapidly, which is why we must pace ourselves and gain knowledge from whatever resources we have available.  We can’t hide from it anymore. It’s everywhere we go, but there are those of us who are still trying to run from it as fast as we can. I’m just catching my breath! Seriously, I want you to take my advice and pick up a book on how technology can enhance your career, home, and education. Then, call a friend and ask for help. You can go to their house and break their computer! (LOL)
   

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