Group items tagged

Rachel Keyes ITEC 2360 01/24/11 http://www.alternativeculture.com/index.htm Poor website Overview This site can be found by searching "alternative forms of literature" (commonly thought of as ways other than classical literature, such as graphic novels, movies, etc.) on Google. However, the purpose of this site is more to discuss alternative cultures and the negative influence that media has on society. My impression of this site is that it was made by a small magazine for a very specific audience. The audience is wary of the media and is searching for an alternative method to receive news. Content The content of this site is extremely random and scattered. At the top of the page there are quotes about being enlightened, followed by a listing of other alternative news sites, YouTube videos, and poems from different cultures about peace. All of the links work, but this site is just a random collection of information the editor believes is important. The editor is a man who, in his biography page, has no credentials other than he really enjoys writing. Design At first look, there is so much going on and so many links and videos posted that seem to be very random. There is a clear title, but some of the links on the page have nothing to do with the others; there is nothing connecting this information. The pictures and YouTube videos are irrelevant to the other links listed. There is no copyright date, so readers have no idea how up to date this site is. The only way to "contact" the editor is by subscribing to his newsletter. There is too much going on to accurately find any information, and because you can find this site while looking for alternative forms of literature, this site would be completely irrelevant to your search.

Rachel Keyes ITEC 2360 01/24/11 Average site http://www.alternavox.net/the-graphic-novel-as-a-form-of-literature Overview This site discusses the use of the graphic novel as a form of alternative literature. The main point of the site is an article discussing the history of the graphic novel and where it is today. The audience is anyone who wants to learn more about the educational potential of the graphic novel. The article is from a Canadian site, so that could impact its usefulness to U.S. students and teachers. Content The main content of the site is the article. Other than that, there are no other links to find more information about alternative literature or graphic novels. The article is biased because the author is a reporter who has an opinion and doesn't provide the other side of the argument. The article was published in 2009, so it could be slightly outdated. Design The site has ads and pictures for the newspaper, which could be irrelevant to users from other countries. There is a biography of the author next to the article, but there is no way to contact him with questions. There is no copy right for the website itself. The information is well organized, but other than the article, there is no further information.

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Rachel Keyes ITEC 2360 01/24/11 http://www.kimskorner4teachertalk.com/readingliterature/litresponse.html Average website Overview This is a site designed for teachers, giving alternative exercises to help their classes respond to literature. My overall impression is that this is an organized, helpful site. The audience would be teachers who are looking for creative and exciting ways for their students to approach literature. It's a very simple website that has links with the corresponding projects listed. Content The content of the site is well organized and listed. The links on the page go to credible sites with ideas for creative book reports, class discussions, etc. The page was last updated in 2007, so it is possible that the ideas and links could be extremely out of date by now. There are some links that no longer exist and do not work, which is one of the sites major weaknesses. The author of the site is a teacher herself, and repeatedly expresses that the ideas are not hers, and provides the credit for the real authors of the ideas. Design The design of this website is extremely plain. Other than the text and the links, there are no pictures or visual aids. The title is clear and gives the author's name and the purpose of the site. The author reminds the audience that she is merely posting these ideas and they are not hers. The site is outdated, and some of the links don't work because they do not exist anymore.

Overview This site deals with public education and its emergence as a Home-school alternative and is aimed at those parents who want a "quality" education for their child. I found it while searching for information related to teaching Spanish to Second graders. It is a well layed out site that answers the basic questions of who, what, when, where, how and why. Content The site contains all the information necessary to understand what the Wyoming Connections Academy is all about and how one may become involved in its academic service. Design The site design begins with an eye appealing tannish tab folder background. Upon this is layered the Academy logo, and a page containing information about the School and its services. Photographs of happy, smiling kids are placed in the top right corner of the page on a gray background. A little boy, happily doing his homework is the largest photo. The tabs at the top of the folder open to other pages. The design format is really easy to follow and keeps the user's interest.

Allison Lindgren September 21, 2009 Website Review http://www.aboutdarwin.com/credits_01.html "About Darwin dotcom" is a site dedicated to the life and work of Charles Darwin. Its layout is classy and goes well with the information being presented. The author of the site states his credentials and citations clearly. I think it would be a good source of information for anyone researching Darwin. The bibliography is very complete which provides alternative source of information for someone looking for additional information. Since the information is organized and presented in easy to understand terms with little scientific jargon I think it is geared towards high school students. Content Summary: The content of the site is obvious even in the URL of the site making it easy to know what information the site provides. The author is clearly stated with a whole page dedicated to his credentials and the citations of all the information in the site. The links all work well, but it has been over a year since the site has been updated. I think that is okay, though, as Charles Darwin is not a developing topic and not a lot of new information needs to be posted. Maps and pictures enhance the content of the site, and information is well organized into links on the homepage. T Design Summary: There were no problems downloading the page. The colors and graphics of the site are appealing and interesting. The layout is very simple which makes navigation easy. Each link clearly states what information it will take you to. It is a good source of information about Charles Darwin by someone whose credentials make the site credible and worth visiting.

Museum of Web Art is a site intended to give the public an alternative experience to viewing art. However this site is inadequate because it becomes a maze of links in which all roads dead-end to unavailable images. There is no immediate knowledge of the sponsor or of review dates. The site itself seems to be an abandoned ship, a "ghost-site" if you will. This site comes off as unreliable and inaccurate. I suggest staying away from this site and go visit a local gallery or museum instead. It'll be a lot less confusing and you'll actually become exposed to art.

Purplemath.com Reviewed by Betina Turner 8/31/10 ITEC 2360-02 This website is a very helpful site for students to get extra help with 7-12 Math. It has lessons the students can go over and there are also forums and helpful links to other sources that can provide extra help with Secondary Math. This web site is simple to use and it is up to date and it clearly states who made the website and give contact information. I have personally used this website to refresh algebra concepts and my mother uses it with her students when they are struggling with math concepts and they really like it and they are able to understand the material better. This site is a great resource for alternate learning.

OVERVIEW Purplemath.com is helpful to sudents who need suplimental help in mathematics.  It goes over basic content, and explains why there is a certain rule in the "math world."  It also has links to helpful sites that could make subject matter easier to understand.  There are also links on this site for test prep.  Overall, this is a good site if you know what you are looking for. CONTENT Links to other sites are helpful, current and working properly.  It's not  very well organized, but you can find your way around.  There doesn't seem to be any bias associated with it.  The content is current, accurate, and consistent with other sites. DESIGN The design isn't done very well.  It's not attractive and there are a lot of links in places where you might not actually look for what you are looking for.  It's easy to navigate within the site once you find what you are looking for, and the links are all working.