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Megan Switzer September 11, 2011 Overview: The website Activities for ESL students is one that focuses mainly on the speaking aspect of English. In this sense students are able to quiz themselves on their knowledge of English vocabulary, grammar as well as complete activities such as cross word puzzles that works on these concepts as well. The targeted audience for this website is clearly ESL students although there is a little bit on there that is meant for teachers as well. External links are provided in which students may find other beneficial information, as well as videos/ podcasts that aide in their English learning as well. Overall this website focuses on the mastering of the English language and provides students with the tools to work on their grammar and vocabulary in a multitude of ways. Content: The content of this website is simple and easy to understand. It is well organized and the main ideas remain constant throughout. The links that it provides for resources are relevant and easily accessible. Overall there is one main focus and the website does a great job of remaining constant in it while still providing a variety of ways in which to learn the material. The information providers were not clear for this website, but the information was consistent and similar throughout as well as up to date. I was quite impressed with the material it provides for the students as well as videos in which they feel the children may be able to most relate. Design: The overall design of this website is straight to the point and easy to use. All links and graphics worked and seemed to be up to date. The information was relevant and worthwhile visiting. The audience it was intended for can effectively as well as efficiently use it based on the way in which it is organized. Information such as the currency and author were more confusing to navigate, but the links for helpful resources are truly beneficial. Overall the design of this website is one that is sim

Overview: This website's purpose is to provide practical life vocabulary skill lessons for English as Second Language learners. Teachers create and submit quizzes using every day English Language and students complete the quizzes using their English knowledge skills. When an answer is wrong the site tells you and shows the student what is right and why. There were also instructional videos and other games. Content: This website had an abundance of tests that English as Second Language learners could take to better their classroom English skills. There were also 49 different language options to take a quiz in both the learner's first language and English. The main quizzes were divided into grammar, vocab, and crossword categories and grade level and difficulty level could easily be chosen at the top. There was also a for teachers section that explains how best to use the site. The downfalls to the site were that revision dates and author information were not easily found. Design: This website was easy to use, organized, and had a clean appealing look. I feel that the amount of English on the front page of the site may actually be overwhelming for ESL learners and the teacher would probably have to get the student set up where they need to be in order for the use of the site to work to its potential. The site sponsor and contact information were not easily found and neither were the revision dates. Overall the site's content made it worth coming back to for ESL learners help.

Content: This website is no frills and does not have external advertising. There are not games or a lot of graphics. But, it does serve a purpose to help students practice grammar. Many of the activities come in many different languages and can be switched between English and the other language. The content is free of bias, and the activities are created by teacher volunteers. There are also links to other resources like videos and blogs to help ESL students. Design: It is a very basic design, which makes it easy to navigate and has no distracting advertisements. The graphics that are used in certain activities are useful and serve their purpose, but no additional graphics are used. As far as I can tell all the links are current and work properly. There is a good amount of content and it is split into different areas of expertise, something for beginners all the way through more difficult concepts. Purpose:The quizzes and puzzles are useful for practicing English concepts and also can be used to quiz yourself in foreign languages. For example, someone in a Spanish class could quiz themselves on verbs or some other Spanish vocabulary. Audience: I believe that student from grades 2 on up could make use of this website. Users could be learning English or learning a foreign language. Resources: There are links to podcasts and more interesting things for ESL students. Impression: Overall I like the fact that there is no advertising anywhere on the website, and it is nice that they give you the option to contribute to the activities. Since the quizzes can be made by various people, teachers should choose the appropriate activities for their students.

Overview: This site is very fun and inviting for chiildren of all ages. It grabs your attention immediately with bright colors and pictures. It allows kids to learn new things and ideas from math to reading and writing with fun games and lessons. Content: The content for this site is very well organized. There are icons that are listed for all categories and it is easy to find what you are looking for. You can tell right away that this site is intended for the elementary school-aged child. The author is known on this site as well as the sponsor which is Pearson Learning. There is contact information and a place to ask questions as well. The website is updated yearly with 2011 being the most recent. The links for other pages on the site work correctly and takes you directly were you want to go. Design: The homepage is inviting for young children and has a very strong eye appeal. You can tell where you are immediately as the site is layed out very well with links to go to different sites. The information is organized and is understandable for kids.

Adam Matson ITEC 2360 9-14-2011 Website Evaluation: Overview: http://writingcenter.gmu.edu/writing-resources is almost exactly the same as others I've found that are meant to be as a language arts resource. This one however, is a bit more basic and harder to navigate. It includes things like brainstorming ideas and some writing style directions, but does not go as in-depth or give as many examples as other sites visited. For a quick referencing tool I would suggest bookmarking the site, but there are other sites that may be more helpful. Content- The content I found can be useful, such as a printable handout showing various ways to incorporate transitions into your writing, but the overall content seems somewhat lacking. It just does not cover as many areas and subjects of language arts that many other sites do. Again, it could be used as a quick referencing guide when a student needs help. Design- The design is almost exactly like the sites explored earlier, a white background with black and blue text and links. It is somewhat hard to navigate due to wording and the placing of some of the tabs and links. Locations and members of the actual school seem more prominent in the navigation than actual links to language arts resources, which could prove to be frustrating.

Audrey Stevens 9/20/2011 Kinderteacher Overview: Kinderteacher is a great site for both parents and teachers. This site provides all kinds of creative, fun, and educational project ideas for the classroom or at home. There were endless resources and overall it was very useful for information needs, worth bookmarking for future reference and well designed and easy to use. Content: On this site I could not find a date of revision, but other than that, everything was great. The user was able to figure out the purpose of the site immediately, the author was a previous kindergarten teacher who had retired but wanted to still stay involved. She offered a few paragraphs about herself and contact information. The content was well organized and the user was experienced so the sites information was definitely accurate and useful. It was also worth bookmarking for future reference. Design: The site was very colorful, fun and welcoming. It downloaded with no problems and there were no problems with any of the links as well. It was well organized, easy to use and had many cute graphics that contributed to the site. Off of the design evaluation sheet, I would give it a very well designed and easy to use checkmark.

Overview: This site had many games involving addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. It could be used for all grade levels because you can adjust the level of difficulty on each game. There were daily puzzles, word games, math games, and printable activities. The site is meant to make math fun and it uses creative games to do that. The ability to adjust the difficulty level makes it great for a classroom because you can make the activities grow as the student's understanding grows. Content: This website loads quickly and has an eye appealing front page. There are suggestions of popular math games but there is also a website index at the top of the page. The index was organized into understandable categories. The games uploaded and played without pause to load. The brain teasers and games were correct to the best of my knowledge. There were also links to math trick videos and other game ideas. This website could be used in the classroom as a fun reward for students who finish their in class homework early. Design: The homepage downloads efficiently. The site sponsor, contact information, and date of last revision are not easily accessible. The website also does not run as well in other browsers. I was using Google Chrome. The list of links are very well organized and easy to use. Each link had a description of the game before you click on it to see what it is. The instructions for the games were easy to follow and very logical and concise.

This website provides educational games, daily puzzles, word games, and math games.

Aylin Márquez 13 September 2011 Overview: The Problem Site.com provides educational games, daily puzzles, word, and math games designed for teachers and Pre-K-12th grade students. Reference and printables tabs provide a free educational source for teachers. The site provides mathematical problems from previous years with their solutions included that influence students' analytical thinking. Interactive games are also designed to improve students' memorization. Content: Although the basic content of the site is easily determined, the user needs to check internal links to determine the intended audience of the site. If the audience is young children, they may need adult assistance to navigate within the site since the site has advertisements that can be considered inappropriate (games, dating sites, and etc.). The site has an overview that explains how the site was started and what it is about. A contact person and address are also available for users to ask questions. Both the site overview and contact information are located at the bottom of the site. Overall, the purpose of the site is clear, and the information appears to be accurate. Design: The homepage is designed well and downloads efficiently. It is appealing for mainly high school students and teachers. The user is able to navigate easily. The internal links work properly and are helpful and appropriate. However, there are advertisements that may not be appropriate for young children. The graphics and animations serve a clear purpose. A list of links is well organized, clearly labeled, and easy to use. The site also includes a search area where users can look for other educational sources.

Great for incorporating History and Technology in the classroom

Amy Andreen 9-14-11 Overview: thwt.org is intended for the use of History and Social Studies Educators. It is a great resource for finding ways to incorporate technology and the various content areas in the classroom. There are various links to other sites as well as links to other pages within the site that would help Social Studies Teachers to devise lesson plans that incorporate technology. This site can also be used to help brainstorm for project assignments to use in the classroom. There are explanations as to why it is important to include certain aspects of technology in the classroom and what ways we as educators can utilize the resources we have. Content: The content on this site ranges from external sites for historical information to internal resources within the site to help in teaching with technology in the content area of history. There are videos, podcast, articles, chats, and many different ideas about how we can bring all the technology around us into a content area that many student find boring. Design: thwt.org has a very "sleek" design. It is very simple as far as design goes, but so easy to navigate. It was easy to find the tabs that I wanted. Also, the color scheme used wasn't overwhelming and made it even easier to travel around the site. The contacts page was so easy to find and very accessible with questions.

Randi McInerney September 15, 2011 Overview: The purpose of the Poetry Foundation website is to be a learning resource for anyone interested and to promote poetry in our culture. This site would be great for high school or college students, teachers, or other interested adults. The site offers full poems, biographical information on poets, articles and news relating to poetry, and a "learning lab" that allows you to access annotated poems, poem guides, writing ideas, discussion questions, and tips for teachers. The content and design are very appealing. Content: There is a great amount of information readily available on this site. It is very interactive with everything from places to listen to the poems to places that will direct you to downloadable poetry mobile "apps". The information is very extensive and reliable. If you have questions and comments, the foundation provides various ways to contact them. Design: The website downloads quickly and looks very appealing and organized. The bar across the top makes navigating easy. There are no directions for using or navigating the site, but it is so easy that instructions are really not necessary.

Overview - Kinderart.com is a strong resource for elementary art educators where they can find lessons, teaching kits, supplies, community, and more. Content - The content and the intended audience are apparent from the get go at Kindart.com. The authors of the site, Andrea and Jantje Mulder-Slater are credible in their art education backgrounds and have provided accessible contact information. The site is kept current, indicated by its recent update and its up and running links. Content is purposeful for art educators and should be easy to navigate by its simple organization. My only complaints are in the pop up ads. Design - The design elements at Kinderart.com are clean and crisp for the most part. Aside from a bit of clutter near the foot of the home page the tool bars are easy to spot and navigate. Labels are appropriate and links are well organized. Again, my only complaint are the pop up ads.

Nathan Wonnacott 9/9/11 Overview: The purpose of Kinder Art is to supply teachers and parents ways to teach art. There are many lesson plans as well as supplies at the site. The pull-down menu contains a direct link to several art topics, craft ideas, and contests. Content: The first impression of the site is for teaching children, but it is littered with advertisement on the side bars. The authors, Andrea Mulder-Slater and Jantje Blokhuis-Mulder, are described as active and efficient teachers. Contacting them is a hassle, but possible. Overall, the content is updated and relevant, but is easy to say that major revisions are needed to make this site effective. Design: This site is not particularly fast, efficient, or effective. To obtain information one needs, he or she needs to navigate for a few minutes. I found a few dead ends when searching links. For the time it takes to finish searching, the information is not efficient.

Posted by Allie Parrott 09/17/09: Homework spot is a site that simplifies the search for popular homework topics assigned to students K-12. It can also be used by parents and teachers. Content: This site covers a variety of topics. There are even virtual field trips. Other benefits this site provides are SAT tips, current events, and how to write a great book report. Students can find almost anything they need here. The site was last updated today. The incoming information is always fresh and relevant to what students are learning today. There are not only articles from their own authors, but also links to articles that may provide better information for the student. Information is presented in a clear manner. The sight is sponsored by a bigger company StartSpot Media Works Incorporated. HomeworkSpot would help any child navigate their way around the internet. It is also beneficial because the sites that are recommended are credible well researched sites. Design: The most helpful part of the design is that is separates the topics in to age groups. There are a number of links under the heading "Elementary" and the same goes for the headings "Middle" and "High School". This way there is no time wasted, looking but information that is above a child's head, or below their level. The only flaw in the design is that the user has to click at least links to find what they are looking for. However, once they find it the information is most likely exactly what they are looking for. There are Google ads, however advertising is only on the homepage and is kept to a minimum. Attributions: The most helpful link for this is the "About this Site" link. It gives the user all the necessary information about what the site is about and who is running it. It makes the purpose very clear. This would be another site I would recommend due to its fairly obvious credibility. \n

This website is called Core Knowledge Lesson Plans at coreknowledge.org. Download was quick; without delay. Homepage is attractive and well organized. Critical pieces of information (sponsors, contacts, and copyright) are easy to locate and navigate to. Media is effective and while there is not a lot of it, I believe the lack of it adds significantly to the effectiveness of the site. The worth of visiting this site is high; there is plenty of useful information that can help educators in creating lesson plans with a purpose. The date in which the site was updated clearly viewable at the bottom of the page and is also current within the month. Contact and copyright information are also given here. Overall this site is useful and easy to navigate. It is worth visiting.

This is a great website for any art teacher K-12. Content: This website provides art teachers of any grade level with lesson plans to use in their classrooms. This website will be particularly handy for begging art teachers. It is easy to navigate the site, lessons for everything from drawing to painting to 3D is provided in detailed lesson plans by clicking on the subject. The lessons are step by step and are great for beginnig artists. This website is nice for teachers that need ideas on how to present the information to their students.

Nathan Wonnacott 9/9/11 Overview: The Creative Spotlight is a site providing tutorials to new artists and supplies to continuing artist. It is clear that the site is more commercial than educational. It's a basic site with links to areas such as drawing, painting, and graphic design. Content: It is obvious that this site is directed toward art; however it doesn't provide helpful information. The tutorials focus on very limited instruction, followed by pictures to assist in "learning". The creator of the site only refers to himself by first name, which is an indicator that it's not a trustworthy source. Also, the copyright regulations are harsh, discouraging copying of any kind. I would not suggest this site for these reasons. Design: The design of this site is extremely basic, and links are slow to other sites. The format is cluttered and lacks revision. By the time one navigate through the site, he or she is probably disappointed by what they find.

Educationworld.com downloads quickly and efficiently with no problems. Upon visiting the homepage, things are laid out in an attractive, easy to navigate form with no question as to whom the sponsors are, where contact information is, and date of copyright is clear. Navigation of educationworld.com is simple and effective. Links displayed on the site are both relevant as well as functioning properly. A site guide and a help link are useful if additional help is needed in navigation. Graphics on this site are used appropriately and add to the content of the site. The content is easily found on this site due to organization; consistency from page to page on this site also adds to the effectiveness. Information provided seems to be useful for educators. It is evident that information is kept current. Overall, this site is legitimate. Ease of navigation and good information that can provide help to teachers are the highlights of educationworld.com.

The intended purpose of this website is to provide teachers with fun science lesson plans and activities for grades K-12. Lesson plans with the needed materials is provided, videos, images, quizzes, games and facts are also provided. The author is provided, along with how to contact him and a background information. Although the latest revision is not provided, the material that is shown seems accurate and up to date, based upon my knowledge. The content on this site is well organized, grammatically correct, and easy to understand. There are links that are on the website that are current and fit for the intended audience (teachers).