Web site evaluations

I have been doing Web site evaluations in another class, so I have gotten good at exploring educational Web sites. However, the evaluation sheet gave me a little more detailed list of ideas on what I might be looking for. So many times we just "can tell" when a Web site looks professional or is easy to navigate, but we don't know why. The evaluation sheet made you really sit down and explore the Web site. Some of the questions are cofusing, but I got the overall idea.

Session 5: Assistive Technology

I am constantly amazed at technology and what it can do for people with disabilities. Humans are so resilient. When faced with a problem, we find ways to make it work. I was pretty familiar with assistive technology from a few of my other classes. Just because people are disabled doesn't mean they aren't intelligent. Little girls like Elina can be so successful if they are just given the right tools. And that is what is so inspiring about children like her. Think of the possibilities for young people who just aren't able to write or aren't able to express themselves verbally. There are ways around that and assistive technology seems to open so many doors for them. While I don't directly work with any students using this at this time, I would be excited to help children find new ways to learn and communicate.

Session 4: Digital Photos/Desktop Publishing

What a frustrating week for me. I just felt like it took me forever to get all the work done. I ran into some problems with Windows Photo Gallery, then realized I had to download a PDF converter. That is the joy/hates of computers. They can do wonderful things. I was refreshed on my love of being creative. The desktop publishing assignment is a great tool to use in the classroom. I found it hard to come up with enough information to fill the entire thing for just one class. Since I teach high school, I only see the students for one 42 minute period all year or an 84 minute period half of the year. There are a lot of valuable resources, but I still think I am feeling like a digital immigrant. I wanted to walk away from the computer many times and get out the markers and scissors. I think I am slowly picking up the pieces that I will need to act more like a digital native.

Session 3

I think the Internet is such a wonderful resource, but it's been so overwhelming for me. I think there are so many great resources out there, but finding the 5-10 that are really suited to you is so hard. I get e-mails at school daily suggesting more and more and more Web sites to check out. Finding the ones that work for me as a teacher is the key. I hope over the summer I can sit down and find sites to incorporate into my lesson plans. I just really with I could get a handle on a manageable plan to use and organize the Internet. I guess that could be a goal of mine. I am thankful for all of the ideas that I have come across in this class.