Website Evaluations

I chose two sites K-12 teachers can utilize for Social Studies resources: http://myexecpc.com/~dboals/boals.html and http://www.ceismc.gatech.edu/busyt/soc.html. The purpose of the former is to encourage World Wide Web use for teaching and learning history and social studies. It offers approximately 28 links to different categories found within the social studies arena. The latter website entitled: Busy Teachers’ Website K-12” offers a condensed version of approximately 20 subject areas covered in both the Science and Social Studies areas.

After reading the articles by Kathy Schrock and James Wrench on website and software evaluation and reviewing each of the above websites, I have preliminarily chosen six criteria to judge the overall quality of educational websites.

· Authenticity- current updated site, credible sources, appropriate reading level for teachers and students- 5 points

· Diversity-cultural diversity appears in graphics, subject areas, along with appropriate language and descriptors utilized in text and choice of links- 5 points

· Informative-broad in scope, accurate information presented, representative number of links for the subject area to other areas providing additional resources- 5 points

· Clarity/Organization-Purpose of website clearly stated on the home page; fulfills stated purpose; layout of site easily understood; correct spelling and grammar- 5 points

· Art/Aesthetics-Background colors, text colors and graphics do not overpower the information being presented; appropriate use of color graphics, sound and video that enhance the information- 5 points

· Overall Quality- Site creates a motivating, informative, challenging, thorough and inspiring source of information appropriate to the subject area; is easy to navigate and provides accurate information-5 points

Evalutaion

The website http://myexecpc.com/~dboals/boals.html provides an enormous amount of resources for both teachers and students. There are 28 links for subject areas, such as archaeology, genealogy, critical thinking, Western and non-Western history, in addition to links to a variety of Museums in the U.S., Spain and Italy. Each link holds a tremendous amount of information, i.e. 25 pages just on the Humanities link that includes everything from art masterpieces, chapters in classical works, annotated resources to clubs to join. It is certainly authentic in that its sources are more than credible and accurate. It also empahsizes culturally diversity. For example, it is interspersed with Inuit poetry in the margins or quotations from classical writers. Surfing this link was a lesson in itself on the wealth of information that can be included in the Humanities section. In addition, the information represents a number of cultures and continents from around the world, and is not cluttered with anything but text and hyperlinks to other sites. It is well organized and its purpose is clear. The website is aesthetically pleasing with regards to the links to the art galleries and museums. The grammar and spelling are accurate. Overall, this website is amazingly thorough, and both teachers and students will find it easy to access, navigate and will be able to find a plethora of activities, events and additional resources that will not only inform but inspire them. + 30 points.

The http://www.ceismc.gatech.edu/busyt/soc.html website promises teachers that it is a brief, all encompassing website that they can refer to for lessons as well as direct students to for certain portions of their lesson. Depending on the subject, some lessons can be used for elementary school-aged children, while others are more appropriate for high school students. The website is easy to navigate. The creators have chosen 20 subject areas both teachers and students can link to. These include: social studies, biology, physics, paleontology, astronomy art, computer technology and ecology. Each link provides at least four or five additional hyperlinks to online websites to search for lesson plans, publications, and activities and other established sources and organizations. In addition, this site has several other links that are unique and valuable resources, including a Cultural Diversity link and Kudos and Quotes link that are updated frequently. The creators also provide a feed back button. For teachers who do not have a great deal of time to surf the web or just need a couple of reliable sources, activities or lessons, this website is ideal. It is organized and its purpose is clear and promises to be an enjoyable experience for both students and teachers who are learning to use the internet. Overall, the site is authentic, presents credible, basic, current information; is sensitive and respectful to a number of cultures; is basic, not artsy but easy to navigate and is appropriate for all ages. +30 points.