Check In

I have been in  TPTE 486 for a little over a month now. There are many things that I feel I will use in my classroom, such as Wordle, Smilebox, and having a blog. Some things seem a little difficult, such a Delicious. Over all, the things I have learned in here will be extremely helpful in the future. I plan on referring back to the Web 2.0 wiki after I am done with this class.

Stanely...Flat Stanley

In class today we annotated a web quest. I chose "Flat Stanley." Basically with this one, children learn about different states and cities and how to write a letter in order to mail their "Flat Stanley." In case you are wondering who "Flat Stanley" is, I am leaving some links to further explain him. This activity immediately jumped out at me. As I read about this Web Quest, I thought that this is something that I would have been very intrigued by as a young student. I will most definitely do this in my classroom one day.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flat_Stanley


Everyone loves Flat Stanley...

George W. Bush

Clay Aiken

Clint Eastwood

Barack Obama

Evaluating Websites

In class last Wednesday, we were shown the guidelines for evaluating the reliability and usability of websites. As part of an assignment we had to find a website that we thought could be used by a teacher, in a classroom setting, or that would be seen in an educational environment. I chose to analyze Sesame Street's website. They process of going through the check sheet of guidelines was a little challenging. I felt that the website was very reliable and usable, however, the questions seemed to be aimed for something more scholarly. I stuck with the Sesame Street website not only because it seemed like a strong component for classroom and teacher usability and reliability, but also because the bright flashing colors and engaging games were holding my gaze and attention hostage.
On a more serious note, I am very comfortable with the idea of evaluating websites. I see how important it is to know that the information I am referencing in my classroom is usable and reliable. In a college or high school teaching profession this skill would definitely be great for personal use and teaching. In a middle school setting it would seem like an appropriate time to introduce evaluating the reliability of websites. For elementary and younger age groups, as a teacher it would be imperative that the material I am exposing my students to is usable, reliable, and age appropriate.