Teacher Made Websites
3/12/06
Commendations:
* I liked the detailed monthly calendar, which enables you to open links for further information on the assignments listed. This helps students plan their assignments in advance, and budget their time accordingly.
* The site links directly to two libraries which encourages students to use libraries as a resource to complete their assignments. Students will also find the Link to
Time for Kids interesting.* The parent access link is a way for parents to communicate with teachers and the school. By using their password, parents may contact the school through email, view the school newsletter, and view grading and attendance information for their child.
Recommendations:
*
The site lacked creativity appearance wise. Although it may be pleasing to an adults eye, the fact that 6th graders will be accessing it should be taken into account. Larger type, graphics, and some color would make it more interesting.* I would have liked to have seen a section of the website where students could view some of the assignments they had completed. I think this would promote pride and ownership among students in respect to their school work.
* There are so many interesting sites with social studies content such as:
Picture History, Social Studies for Kids, Fun Social Studies, and the Smithsonian Museum of American History to name a few. I was disappointed that a list of links students might find interesting, was not provided.Mr. Webster’s Website-This site was also created by a 6th grade Social Studies Teacher who teachers at a school in Ellicott City, Maryland. The main page of this site has a very simple format with nine links and colorful graphics. This site is very easy for students to navigate. https://teacherweb.com/MD/BBMS/jwebster/index.html
3/12/06
Commendations:
* I liked that the site is colorful, and the links are very clear and concise. It seems as though it is age appropriately designed for the students.
* The mailbox and schoolhouse graphic provides quick access to information about the school and how to contact the teacher. Although this may seem trivial, I found several teacher made websites that did not have this important basic information readily available.
*I liked his list of
“Lynx”(Links). I think students should always be encouraged to seek further information on topics related to their given subject matter. Especially when the sources are reliable, interesting, and have been provided by the teacher. There are some great links here; some of which I have used for my assignments in this class.
Recommendations:
* I visited the site on March 12, 2006 and there were only assignments listed due up to March 9th. It would be helpful to have at least two weeks worth of assignments listed on the site in advance. I thought maybe students had Spring Break starting the week of the 13th, but the yearly calendar listed on the site made no mention of this.
* The FAQ link was not quite what I expected it to be. There was only one question listed. There are probably numerous frequently asked questions that both students and parents have, and this link provides an opportunity to answer them.
* The overall site itself could be a bit more informative. For example: 1) It would be helpful to know how many points various homework assignments are worth. 2) It would be helpful to have a monthly calendar of assignments and activities listed, rather than just the current week of assignments due. 3) The yearly school calendar only has a total of nine events and five months listed on it.
Created by Shannon Leister
For SLM 521
3/13/06
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