Search Engines & Web Navigation:
It is no surprise that the internet is an incredible resource for students. The internet provides students with an unlimited wealth of information right at their fingertips. Teaching students how to use search engines and proper Web navigation can be very beneficial, enabling them to search and find better information on their topic.
Search engines are valuable tools for researching information. “Just type in the search word or phrase, and the search engine displays a list of websites whose URLs contain the word or phrase” (Roblyer, pg. 183). However, many of these websites may not have anything to do with the topic at all. But by utilizing the advanced search option available on most search engines, students can narrow search results down to those that are relevant to their topic. They can type in keywords and choose to only see websites that include “all these words”, or type in unrelated words and see websites with that include “none of these words” (pg. 183 & 184). This way, students’ searches for topic information will yield much better information.
A student’s ability to properly navigate around the internet can make a huge effect on their success in finding information on research topics. Informed use and experience “traveling” around the internet using uniform resource locators, or URLs, can help students locate web addresses just by guessing, and enable them to “tell what and where it is” by reading the URL’s parts (Roblyer, pg. 180). They should know that every web address must be entered exactly. If not, students looking for information may be guided to a completely unrelated website or to an error message with no site at all (pg. 179). A student’s search will also be aided by knowing how to use navigation buttons, links, and QR codes (pg. 181). This way, they can find relevant and thorough information through links and QR codes from topic-specific sources.Website Evaluation:
Favorite Professional Websites:
http://wholebrainteaching.com/ is one of my absolute favorite websites, especially for teachers! Teachers can sign up for free to learn about new interactive teaching strategies, and even get certified in those methods. There are lots of instructional materials and resources that be downloaded from the site, and they are all free. I trust this site because the creator is really easy to identify and contact. The site is not biased and everything is free of charge.
I am also addicted to https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/. There are countless resources for teachers in all subject areas. Sure, some of the resources have a price but there are plenty that are freebies.
Online Safety & Security:
Fraud, fraud, fraud! I cannot stress enough how serious this topic is for me! I have always been really cautious of which sites I give any information to. I only disclosed information to credible well-known sites, and only if the sites offer a secure server, but that may not be enough (pg. 176). Due to an online security breach at a former college, I have spent the last four years disputing fraudulent claims and credit accounts. My life is still negatively affected today.
Roblyer, M. D. (2016). Integrating educational technology into teaching. Boston: Pearson.
G. (2013, February 12). Retrieved February 14, 2017, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aem3JahbXfk
I love your websites and they are definitely some resources I will make sure to bookmark. I also love how you point out fraud when using the internet. This is a very important topic! Robyler talks about how many sites have, "colorful, compelling images that encourage people to buy" (pg. 175). This is something that students need to be aware of and taught to ignore them. I hate that you are still struggling with fraudulent claims and credit accounts, but this is a great story to share with not only your students, but the parents of your students and coworkers. It is always important to be aware of certain sites before giving out ANY personal information!
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