Distance
Learning is a method of learning that is corresponded through broadcast through
the use of the internet. For teachers, this challenges us with the new mission
of captivating students via viral. Current issues with Distance Learning
include Digital Divide which is a social-economic problem of the resources of
children (Doering and Roblyer, 207). That is why it is important as teachers to offer equal
opportunity in computer-lab time and education on basic internet programs.
URLS
When teaching
how to use the internet properly, the URLs are specific codes that are used in
order direct a person to a specific web page. Web site organization is a
concept that most every-day-internet-users overlook. It is important to
understand the significance of optional parts of the URL. Options in the URL
are given “if an organization is a large one, it may have more than one
server,” in this case it is important to use the exact address listing (216). One
thing that can be identified from URLS is the domain designator informs
teachers and students on who owns that server.
Search Engines
Search
Engines are designed to attract the individual; many internet users naturally
conform to using one search engine site all the time. The most popular search
engines are Google, Yahoo, and Bing; which have unique interfaces that appeal
to their audiences. When teaching new research tool, like search engines, it is
important to expose your students to many different engines so that they can
find the engine that works best for them. However, there is also another
subculture of research Metacrawler sites like Dog Pile and Vivisimo are
programed to compile the listings of more than one search engine site at the
same time (219). These types of sites would seem more notable to be taught in
depth in the classroom because they are less well-known, all so because these
sites compile research it could help with time management.
Favorite Web
Sites
Glogsteredu.com
is a teacher/student website that allows users to make multimedia presentations.
The website is easy to use and free for students. One aspect of Glogster that
is website appropriate for your students is that teachers can create a “gated
community” where their students can collaborate without non-educational
influences.
Vocabulary.com;
there is current controversy in adapting the teaching of vocabulary because in
the past the primary approach to teaching vocabulary is through memorization
and spelling test in elementary schools but because schools are starting to digress
from the memorization there needs to be a balance of teaching new words. With
Vocabulary.com teachers can create word lists that are specific to the content
of their area. It also provides the function of making multiple-choice-answer
activities for students.
When choosing
sites to integrate into the classroom it is important to find sites that are
easily assessable and clear in format. Many sites are now solely designed for
the teacher-student relationship; those sites are going to be the safest
because there is censorship that narrows all content to educational.
Web Site Evaluation Video
