Welcome to my Blog!
So excited to finally be here among all my "BB's" (Blogging Buddies). I look forward to some good blogging with all of you. Hopefully, I won't bore you to death.
Maribel
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Friday, March 19, 2010
Web Search Engines
My experience with web search engines was somewhat limited until now. I usually, use google for everything and never really thought of using anything else. I thought using the different search engines was fairly easy. Being able to access the web can only enhance education within the classroom. Of course, proceed with caution and good planning must be exercised before accessing the web. There are filters for the web that can help in eliminating inappropriate sites. I think knowing there are other web search engines is important to the type of searches you are trying to do. In addition, to knowing how to critically evaluate websites. Part of website evaluation is to know the different websites URL’s and how they help to identify where the information is coming from. I try to remember to do, in identifying the typeof website I am accessing.
I think it is important to know how to find good, factual informative sites, while recognizing the bad ones. In a school setting, it's even more important to use kid friendly licensed search engines such as Net trekker, to filter out those inappropriate sites. However, just as important is the use of a web site evaluation tool. One of the sites that I came across in my search on web site evaluation was from the University of California, Berkeley Library, which provided a series of techniques and helps you ask yourself a series of questions that will help you decide whether a webpage is to be trusted or not. This website can also be a great resource in teaching kids in the classroom how to navigate the web. Here is the link, check it out.
http://www.lib.berkeley.edu/TeachingLib/Guides/Internet/Evaluate.html
When searching the web for information on "students use of periodical databases", "students use of the web", and "evaluation of web sites", I used three search engines: Hierarchical, Page indexer and Meta-engine. Strategies I incorporated into my searches were to keep the words simple, using the help feature for the different search engines as suggested, also offered additional advise, and information on searching techniques.
The results for these searches varied from the topics in the licensed periodicals, because in the licensed periodicals the results were mainly documents and the results from the web, were tools and resources on how to do something. I do not think that I would have done anything differently, as I enjoyed trying the different search engines and using the help feature, which I never thought to do in the past. I did come across a website that I thought would be helpful for teachers on how to search for internet resources effectively. http://www.internet4classrooms.com/search.htm
I think it is important to know how to find good, factual informative sites, while recognizing the bad ones. In a school setting, it's even more important to use kid friendly licensed search engines such as Net trekker, to filter out those inappropriate sites. However, just as important is the use of a web site evaluation tool. One of the sites that I came across in my search on web site evaluation was from the University of California, Berkeley Library, which provided a series of techniques and helps you ask yourself a series of questions that will help you decide whether a webpage is to be trusted or not. This website can also be a great resource in teaching kids in the classroom how to navigate the web. Here is the link, check it out.
http://www.lib.berkeley.edu/TeachingLib/Guides/Internet/Evaluate.html
When searching the web for information on "students use of periodical databases", "students use of the web", and "evaluation of web sites", I used three search engines: Hierarchical, Page indexer and Meta-engine. Strategies I incorporated into my searches were to keep the words simple, using the help feature for the different search engines as suggested, also offered additional advise, and information on searching techniques.
The results for these searches varied from the topics in the licensed periodicals, because in the licensed periodicals the results were mainly documents and the results from the web, were tools and resources on how to do something. I do not think that I would have done anything differently, as I enjoyed trying the different search engines and using the help feature, which I never thought to do in the past. I did come across a website that I thought would be helpful for teachers on how to search for internet resources effectively. http://www.internet4classrooms.com/search.htm
Importance of Licensed Periodical Databases in the Classroom
I think licensed periodicals in the classroom are very important for students. I think the earlier in a student’s school life you are exposed to licensed periodical databases the easier doing research papers and homework assignments will be for the student. Knowing how to do searches, while not brain surgery, is still critical to the success of locating what your looking for in the most efficient manner possible.
I was somewhat overwhelmed at first, going through the different periodical databases, but after a while became more comfortable at doing searches.
Apparently, there is a lot to know on the different databases available and what they are used for. I think it is important for teachers to be knowledgeable on this subject to be able to relay and teach their students effective ways of researching information.
It is also important for students, because website searching may not be a reliable resource and may require additional time for research.
When doing research it is important to have key words for your topic and remember that practice helps in becoming comfortable at searching for information. I also learned how important it is to know the different databases available for the topic being researched and how the results are affected.
I was somewhat overwhelmed at first, going through the different periodical databases, but after a while became more comfortable at doing searches.
Apparently, there is a lot to know on the different databases available and what they are used for. I think it is important for teachers to be knowledgeable on this subject to be able to relay and teach their students effective ways of researching information.
It is also important for students, because website searching may not be a reliable resource and may require additional time for research.
When doing research it is important to have key words for your topic and remember that practice helps in becoming comfortable at searching for information. I also learned how important it is to know the different databases available for the topic being researched and how the results are affected.
Blah Blah Blah Blog...
I believe educational blogs and RSS feeds can benefit teachers, students and parents in the classroom. I think it is a great tool, because it provides teachers with a way of communicating information on a particular subject. Blogs are also readily available and easy to use. I think blogs offer students a way of expressing themselves and can be used as a teaching tool in facilitating and providing instruction in the classroom and extending instruction outside the classroom. Through, the use of RSS feeds, teachers can personalize their blogs and can constantly, be updated on content specific to a subject efficiently, without having to spend time weeding through tons of information. In addition, having one location to collect students work and scanning through class content making sure it’s appropriate is more efficient. Blogs are also a way of motivating students and engaging them in learning. Blogs can be used as a way of reinforcing instruction, through the use of text, video and audio postings on a particular subject.
While researching about blogs in the classroom, I came across an article on “Using Blogs to Improve Differentiated Instruction” in the classroom. I found this to be of interest in that, it is a way for teachers to differentiate instruction for students with diverse needs. Specifically, how science teachers were able to provide high-quality differentiated science instruction for all students in the classroom. For example, a teacher of ELL students, students on IEP’s, and gifted and talented student’ s, in a class of 20 to 24 was able to differentiate instruction to help all the students learn high-level science content and develop the academic language skills necessary to effectively communicate science concepts. This was done by building units and lessons that were together with her colleagues.
Blogs allowed them to extend class time by providing teachers with a user-friendly online format to reinforce strategies, introduce new topics and concepts, review important class points, review for tests and provide enrichment. ELL students require additional support with the language of science and its pronunciation. Vodcasting is way for teachers to combine Power Point visuals and narration to review key points of class lessons then uploading these podcasts to the blog for access by teachers, students, parents, tutors, teacher specialists and even paraprofessionals.
I would definitely incorportate Blogs in the classroom. I knew blogs existed, but had no idea until now how beneficial they can be, especially from an educational standpoint. As we know, there are always risks involved in using the internet. However, as educators, parents, and professionals , we have a responsibility to educate ourselves and our students on the ethics “if you will” of blogging or using the internet appropriately.
When implementing blogs as part of a classroom, plans should be developed and that include careful monitoring. I think parental consent, wouldn’t hurt. Providing students with clear expectations on the blogs use is no different that setting expectations in a classroom for lessons, behavior etc… These however, should be determined before allowing students access to blogs. In addition, to not allowing, for links to other random web logs, which may display inappropriate content.
There are free and paid hosting services that can help in controlling posts, such as edublogs.org. It gives teachers the ability to set permissions, access and allows them to approve work before published. Lets face it, if you cannot maintain your blog, then theres no point in using it or having one.
In my research I came across this site that listed:
11 Reasons to use a Blog in your Classroom
1. It provides your students with a “live” audience.
2. The focus will be more on content (as opposed to form)
3. It provides extra reading practice for students.
4. Blogs can be used as online student learner journals
5. To guide students to online resources appropriate for their level.
6. Blogs can increase the sense of community in a class.
7. To encourage shy students to participate.
8. To create a space for pre-class or post-class discussion.
9. To encourage a process-writing approach.
10.As an online portfolio or even an archive of student written work.
11. To help build a closer relationship between students in large classes.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
