Website Evaluations...what to use and why

While I was doing an evaluation of the web site, I realized that I don't really know where to find a lot of things that I should look for in a website to even know if it is legitimate or not. For example, updates and site refitting. However, i do think this exercise was very helpful, and would actually benefit everyone to do. I think students also need to know where this information is. Another point that i think is interesting, though, is that even though a site might not legitimate to use in a paper, you can often find good links and information that could get you started in the right direction. Maybe the first site you look at won't be credible, but it may link to one that is, which is what I found on the website I was looking at.

In conclusion, I think everyone needs to be more aware of what makes a website credible, and that includes the students I teach. However, they should also realize that they can still "use" non credible websites whens stuck or as a starting point.

Help! Websites are invading! (How to find a safe site)

After exploring a variety of websites on how to evaluate what makes a good site. I think there are a couple that might be very helpful. First is Evaluating Web Pages . I really liked this site because it is simple and helps you think about why a website might be good or bad. It does not require to link to a lot of different places, you just go to this page and it presents what information you need to know about each webpage as well as what questions to ask yourself and you continue to browse the web.

Topics which are addressed are a) Is it a personal page? b) Who wrote it? These two things can vastly change how you view the page as well. Opinion is not the same as researched fact. It also suggest you c) look at the date, is the information current? and d) does the author have any credential. Again, when looking for the accuracy of information, we want to make sure that information you are looking for is reliable. That means the author needs to also be reliable.

However, I also really enjoyed another source called Internet Detective. I really liked this website because it presents evaluating web pages in a more enjoyable way, as if you are a detective ferreting out the truth. The problem with this website is it is a little more advanced, you are required to actually navigate the web page to find out what you need to know. Nevertheless, if you are trying to keep your students interested in learning about this topic. I think that the presentation of the information could help you do that.

To wiki or not to wiki...

This week we worked on wikis in class, and it was an interesting experience. Well, acutally it was fairly standard...but I learned a lot how we can use wikis within a classroom. I actually used a wiki in one of my classes last semester, so i was a little familiar with them...although how to wrap the words around the pictures really stumped me for awhile.

I think the thing I am most worried about on wikis, is the use of them within the classroom. I think they are a great tool, but my concern is that I don't know if I would want to use them during class a lot, but is it fair to have it as an outside resource if some students do not have access to it? I know not all students have computers, so it seems others would have an advantage if I used a wiki. Although, I guess it could be that I use a wiki and also give all the same information in class to make sure everyone gets the same material. It is something I anticipate pondering for awhile and may try out a couple times to see how it goes.

Expectations and Realizations

I really like technology, I do. The problem is technology doesn't like me. I am excited to see what can be done in the classroom using computers, internet, etc. My only fear comes because I have this weird aura surrounding me that causes projects/assignments that have to do with computers take three times as long as everyone else. I'm not sure if this is because I have no idea what I am doing (which I don't think because I'm pretty sure I'm not a complete novice when it comes to computers) or if I really am unlucky in tech stuff. My dad happens to be a computer science professor and he usually tells me to keep that on the down low since I'm so incompetent when it comes to that.

Anyway, I am hoping that this class might help alleviate some my stress/time consumption when it comes to using technology in the classroom. I think it is something that can be very beneficial as I begin teaching in schools.

Who am I?

C’kemi! I’m Jessica Nix, but I mostly go by Jesse, no “i”, I know, like a boy. I claim Knoxville as where I’m from, but I am actually an Army brat. I was born in Athens, Greece, and lived in a variety of places including Korea and Texas before finally settling here when I was around 8 or 9. I went to high school at South Doyle, in South Knoxville...I hear it is kind of ghetto now, though. I began my very long, drawn out college career at BYU in Provo, UT. However, after a couple years I took two years off to serve a mission for my church in Tirana, Albania, so I lived there for about a year and a half. I returned to transfer to UT setting me back, oh....to a freshman. Lame? Agreed.

I am now about to obtain my BS in Math this May (um, so please don’t fail me...). I will, hopefully, be teaching high school mathematics after I do my student teaching next year. I am not sure where that will be yet, I’ll find out at the end of this semester. I actually never really wanted to teach. Both my parents are teachers and I remember all the work they did for, it seemed, not much payoff. Alas, while I ran from my calling there was no hiding. I eventually succumbed to the inevitable and started my education courses.

In my spare time I mostly do two things. I read and take care of my dog. We go to the dog park, walk around the block, go running, whatever we decide sounds like fun. I do enjoy being outside and just about anything that lets me remain there, including, sports, hiking and eating chocolate...yes, eating chocolate is always better when doing it in the sun.

Anyway, that’s about all there is to know about me. I am excited about the new semester. Just a cautionary note, computers don’t particularly like me. If something can go wrong, or break, it will while I am around...not sure how that works. Nevertheless, I am excited to learn how to incorporate technology in the classroom. While I may not be able to always enjoy the comforts of a computer due to their lack of faith in me, I’m happy to allow students to increase their own knowledge with their use.