Here is a link to my bookmark site on Google. Here I have compiled a list of tools that I find make teaching more engaging, efficient, and effective. Mostly used for language learning but some favorites are:
1. Speak Shop: I heard about this site by word of mouth (I find reputable references to be a credible way of finding information online). It's an awesome and affordable way to practice Spanish language skills via Skype (hello, FREE) with trained, native speakers. I've used it myself and after revisiting it I think I may need to brush up on my skills because the baby at home means that I'm definitely not going to be traveling to Central America to practice any time soon. Bummer!
2. Georgia Public Broadcasting: This is a government funded program so I know it's reputable. It's also comprehensive and useful for all subject matter. All material is educational, appropriate, and engaging. I've used it a ton and they have great, short video clips that are useful for supplementary material and that students can access on their own to review as much as needed.
3. Study Spanish: Another Spanish site but it has easy to read bullet points going over lessons from vocabulary to grammar and short quizzes to test comprehension.
What were the three most useful tools or resources resulting from the web walkabout?
After much time spent perusing the sites in the web walkabout I found a lot of useful sites and information.
1. Due to the fact that I'm a Spanish teacher I really liked this site: duolingo.com This site is useful for learners of Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, and Italian. It is well organized with skills for mastery and I think would be a great supplement to online or face to face classroom learning. It encompasses the four main components of language learning; reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
2. I also found Web of Trust to be useful. Especially for students because it seems to take care of some of the discerning for the user and we all know that teenagers tend to need a little extra help. :)
3. The University of Maryland has a site for evaluating websites. It's fairly concise and straightforward with some great tips on how to decide if a website is credible or not.
4. I had to add a 4th! This site for the National Association for Media Literacy Education has lessons for teaching the Academy Awards and for using advertisements in teachable moments. I think that's really cool!
How can students be taught to safely collect tools and resources that can help them maximize their learning?
Students should definitely receive some type of training course on how to use the internet effectively and appropriately. Using information from sites like University of Maryland and National Association for Media Literacy Education to begin and continue training will definitely help. They should also have monitoring by a trained adult like a parent or teacher to facilitate proper guidelines.
What policies or procedures might need to be in place to make this possible?
I personally really like these Core Principles set out by the National Association for Media Literacy Education. Learning how to use the internet correctly and having guidelines is not meant to be restrictive or over-bearing. In fact, it is meant to "to help individuals of all ages develop the habits of inquiry and skills of expression that they need to be critical thinkers, effective communicators and active citizens in today's world." (from the National Association for Media Literacy website) I couldn't agree more. I love their core principles; especially this one: Media Literacy Education develops informed, reflective and engaged participants essential for a democratic society.
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