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The multimedia application on this website adequately addresses the learner centered approach in its design. It does so in a number of ways, in particular in how it allows the learner to manipulate the multimedia application and then represents the outcome of that manipulation in the form of a cartoon video. Mayer held that the brain possesses dual channels, an auditory and visual processor, and each processes the information separately, later merging these two experiences together to create knowledge (Mayer, 2009, p. 64). This multimedia site works on both aspects of knowledge building in that it includes both and auditory and visual graphics. However, once the introduction is completed the auditory component does not contain any content related information so the user can chose to mute the sound (Mayer, 2009, p. 64). The strength of this multimedia is that it allows the user to manipulate the video itself. For example, students chose a gas, and then select its level in the atmosphere (high-medium-low). From there, the multimedia video plays and shows them in about a thirty second video what would happen on earth in an accelerated time progression in order for students to see the impact the gases have on the atmosphere. However, it is technology centered as well because it includes lots of different graphic elements within the same application, some that can be directly manipulated by the user and others that cannot.

iKnowthat.com has interactive, multimedia educational games and activities for kids in preschool through 6th grade in Math, Language Arts, Science, The Arts. and Social Studies. It also has thinking games and social learning. There is a progress tracker, activities are standards-based and it is a safe, social learning environment. The site is open to teacher, parents, and students. It is great visually and easy to navigate. The colors and graphics are bright, but no animated graphics. It is a free basic subscription and one can purchase a classroom subscription for $199 yearly. Parents can get an at home subscription for a monthly or yearly fee. Search can be done by grade level or subject.

This is an evolving site with high quality tools for both the technologically savvy and the digital immigrant. This is not an exhaustive site, nor one where you will find everything you need - but the graphic organizer section is well done and contains the majority of a classroom teacher's needs. This is definitely a site to keep an eye on.

Brief description ...: This program allows the teacher to create a visual word cloud from a list of words or passages which helps to familiarize the learner with information that will be covered during the lesson or training session. As a generative process, the learners working memory is stimulated as it opens the senses for what is to come, during the presentation. Brief explanation ...: I like this site because it can be used to summarize documents like reports, speeches, and etc. into easily read word clouds. In addition, it makes important words bigger than other words.

* Brief description of Web site: A free tool that allows users to create online word clouds from sentences, whole documents, web addresses, or tables. After completing, these word clouds can be printed out. * Brief explanation of why you found this site to be better than others you found: Besides the fact that this is a free resource, it is very user friendly because it allows users to design their own word clouds as they would like (i.e. choose their layout, choose their own colors, fonts, sizes, etc.).

Description: Allows users to create graphics style art with words. Words are randomly positioned where the more important words are made bigger. Explanation: This is a great tool for tool for users to create a cluster of words about a topic and use them the same way they might use a graphic. This was preferred to other programs because there is no registration required.

*This is an interactive graphic organizer site with a free option http://www.gliffy.com/prodcomparison.shtml *You might also want to check out http://www.teach-nology.com/web_tools/graphic_org/ (note there is a fee) The advantage to teach-nology is the ease with which you can write on the graphic organizers. Also lots of free pdf downloads available at Freeology http://www.freeology.com/graphicorgs/

This is a limited free site, but to upgrade is fairly inexpensive. This graphic organizer allows the use to embed text, files, photos, calendars, and locations. Additionally, this site allows the user to share and collaborate with others in real time or asynchronously.

SpiderScribe can be used as a graphic organizer to link together video production steps and concepts with pictures and links through mind mapping. This software is most effective linking together notes and files all in one mind map.

Help kids put ideas and notes in order with any of these 33 graphic organizers. With names like Clock, Garden Gate, and Ice-Cream Cone, your students are sure to find more fun in sorting out their gained knowledge to find connections. These are printable or ideal to use with an interactive white board together. This web site is non-interactive on its own online as these are static visuals only. Essential learning comes together for younger learners with this website's offerings.