From the module videos and readings we see that it is important to use information from websites that have credibility. Sites with a URL that ends in .org, .edu or .gov typically represent government and institution websites that have credible information. One of the best ways to speed up navigating and organizing the sites that you find is to include a bookmark or favorite. Robyler states (2016) "You could write all of them down, but a quicker way to go to such sites is to let a feature in your browser help you create a list or use an online organization tool. This browser-based list is called a Bookmarks file or Favorites file" (p. 181).
Website Evaluation
The following video sticks to the basics and is geared towards middle school students. I think you need to keep it short and to the point when trying to explain something like website evaluation.
I like how this video shows how you want to find sites that have similar information and present their information in a fair manner showing points for and against and with the least amount of bias as possible. Roblyer notes (2016) "Site information must not only be complete, accurate, and up-to-date, it must also be free from the sources of problems often inherent in written communications: mechanical errors, inappropriate language, lack of appropriate source referencing, and bias" (p. 199)
The Smithsonian Kids website is a great website as users can get to any content within three clicks. In the field of Social Studies this website has activities that are interactive to the user. I tried one out for the presidents and the information was "presented in an attractive, creative, yet readable way" which Roblyer (2016) states is a key according to her website evaluation checklist (p. 199). There are even lesson plans according to grade on here to assist teachers when teaching about presidents.
The Teaching American History website is tailor made for teachers and students. From the articles that I read the information is factually accurate and there is a wealth of information and lesson plans available for teachers like myself who would be teaching history.
Online Safety and Security
Robyler (2016) states cyberbullying is "The practice of using technology to harass, threaten, embarrass, or target another person" (p. 175). I think it is so important to stay in tune with children in the cyber world. I watched the video flocabulary and the two things that stood out to me were would you say it in real life and think about the reader before you post. People tend to not think that their words and actions online are not as damaging as in the real world but Roblyer (2016) explains "Cyberbullying is the online version of regular school bullying and can produce the same harmful consequences "(p. 175).
Hello Jeremy, I really liked your blog. Especially the section on online safety and security. I agree with you about the cyber-bullying. It is does produce the same harmful consequences as regular school bullying. I believe it is extremely important as parents and teachers that we continuously monitor our students/children internet usage to avoid both becoming the victim or the predator. Several sites have been set up to document an combat this problem, but the first line of defense remains school-based programs to raise awareness among students of what constitutes cyberbullying and to teach how to respond if they observe or are a victim of this online mistreatment (p. 175 Roblyer)
"The practice of using technology to harass, threaten, embarrass, or target another person" (Roblyer, 2016 p. 175) is a huge problem in our schools. I agree with your blog, teacher as well as adults should monitor what students are doing on the internet. I feel that there's not enough emphasis on this area.
Good stuff Jeremy. Much like what San and David said, I agree that teaching students proper etiquette about cyberbullying and online behavior is crucial because "the key to appropriate online behavior is instruction in digital citizenship," (Robyler, 2016, p.177). This is an extension of their physical behavior, and since adolescents need guidance in behaving in the real world, they definitely need it in the cyber world as well. I also enjoyed the video, but I do think it could be problematic. It must be stressed to students that ALL of the steps should be applied to legitimize a website--one or two alone could lead to problems. But in conjunction with a presentation I think it is very good and straightforward.
Jeremy, thanks for including such helpful professional websites. They will definitely come in handy as a fellow Social Science teacher. The "Teaching American History" website, in particular, seemed like a reliable and credible website according to the "Website Evaluation" checklist in our textbook. You already pointed out how the website's information is factually accurate, but it also hits on many of the other points from the checklist. Perhaps, my favorite aspect is how well the website is organized because "users can get to any content within three clicks" (Roblyer, 2016, p.198).
Hello Jeremy,
ReplyDeleteI really liked your blog. Especially the section on online safety and security. I agree with you about the cyber-bullying. It is does produce the same harmful consequences as regular school bullying. I believe it is extremely important as parents and teachers that we continuously monitor our students/children internet usage to avoid both becoming the victim or the predator. Several sites have been set up to document an combat this problem, but the first line of defense remains school-based programs to raise awareness among students of what constitutes cyberbullying and to teach how to respond if they observe or are a victim of this online mistreatment (p. 175 Roblyer)
"The practice of using technology to harass, threaten, embarrass, or target another person" (Roblyer, 2016 p. 175) is a huge problem in our schools. I agree with your blog, teacher as well as adults should monitor what students are doing on the internet. I feel that there's not enough emphasis on this area.
ReplyDeleteGood stuff Jeremy. Much like what San and David said, I agree that teaching students proper etiquette about cyberbullying and online behavior is crucial because "the key to appropriate online behavior is instruction in digital citizenship," (Robyler, 2016, p.177). This is an extension of their physical behavior, and since adolescents need guidance in behaving in the real world, they definitely need it in the cyber world as well. I also enjoyed the video, but I do think it could be problematic. It must be stressed to students that ALL of the steps should be applied to legitimize a website--one or two alone could lead to problems. But in conjunction with a presentation I think it is very good and straightforward.
ReplyDeleteJeremy, thanks for including such helpful professional websites. They will definitely come in handy as a fellow Social Science teacher. The "Teaching American History" website, in particular, seemed like a reliable and credible website according to the "Website Evaluation" checklist in our textbook. You already pointed out how the website's information is factually accurate, but it also hits on many of the other points from the checklist. Perhaps, my favorite aspect is how well the website is organized because "users can get to any content within three clicks" (Roblyer, 2016, p.198).
ReplyDelete