Student 3
Student 3 teaches 5th grade Reading and Writing at a rural elementary school south of Houston. This is her 16th year of teaching. She is experienced with technology and uses it regularly in her classroom in the form of a classroom computer, use of a computer lab with students. The majority of her work with technology is in creating work for students, managing classes in the computer lab on school provided software, and in creating presentations. Although this educator does not have experience on the secondary level, she was included because of the perspective of a person that is not focused on secondary education.
1. Estimated time to complete the activities on this page
I spent about an hour clicking through all of the links and skimming over and reading a majority of the text on the page. I did not watch all of the videos from beginning to end. I also did not read all of the information on every outside website that had an established link. If I had, it probably would have taken at least 2 hours or more depending on the depth at which each site was studied.
2. Is the purpose of this page clear? Why or why not?
I believe that the purpose of the site was clear. I believe that all of the information and resources presented were relevant to the topic. Reviewing this site has sparked my curiosity of ways to incorporate the use of an iPad in my classroom even though my district currently doesn’t have one available for use. As a result, I might start searching for relevant apps for use in the subject area I teach in hopes that eventually this technology will be available.
3. Do all of the links work? (Please specify if they don’t.)
A majority of the links worked, but I also found several places where the links didn’t work.
Lesson 1- the next page button went to Lesson 2 instead of the next part of Lesson 1
Quiz for lesson 2- the link to the answers said “page does not exist”
Lesson 2- Lesson ideas-Government-Hints-link to app “Evidence” did not exist
Collaboration Quiz- no link
4. Do the graphics add to or detract from the purpose of this page? Please explain.
I felt that all of the Graphics were appropriate for the content and purpose of the site. I believe Graphics are a personal preference. Some people like it very “busy” while others do not. The graphics were scattered throughout the text to give the eyes a visual break from all of the words. One of the You Tube videos interfered with the drop down menu of the upper tabs (Lesson 2- Create Your Own Lesson Plan-Larry Mitchell video).
5. Does the text add to or detract from the purpose of this page? Please explain.
I felt the text choice was also appropriate for the content and purpose of the site. The text was easy to read, and the color palette chosen was visually pleasing. None of the text choices or colors caused strain or made it difficult to access the information provided.
6. What do you like best about this page?
I thought adding in the videos was a nice touch. In today’s world people are often in a rush, and as teachers we are also developing new learning styles due to the digital age. We learn through seeing and doing. Having a break from reading to gain knowledge makes it user friendly.
7. What would you like to see changed?
Overall, I thought the site was helpful and informative. I can see this being used by teachers to get continuing education hours. I think having more links and resources for
“Ready-made” lesson plans for all subjects and grade levels would be helpful. One of the reasons many teachers don’t use technology is because of preparation time and lack of resources. Also, seeing examples will spark more ideas. Anything that can help make a teacher’s life easier and less stressful will definitely be utilized. Another idea would be to possibly research and include links to companies, foundations, organizations, etc. that have opportunities such as grants or funding that would help teachers possibly get free or low cost ipads, iPods, etc.
8. Do you feel three objectives presented in this website were met?
Yes.
1. Estimated time to complete the activities on this page
I spent about an hour clicking through all of the links and skimming over and reading a majority of the text on the page. I did not watch all of the videos from beginning to end. I also did not read all of the information on every outside website that had an established link. If I had, it probably would have taken at least 2 hours or more depending on the depth at which each site was studied.
2. Is the purpose of this page clear? Why or why not?
I believe that the purpose of the site was clear. I believe that all of the information and resources presented were relevant to the topic. Reviewing this site has sparked my curiosity of ways to incorporate the use of an iPad in my classroom even though my district currently doesn’t have one available for use. As a result, I might start searching for relevant apps for use in the subject area I teach in hopes that eventually this technology will be available.
3. Do all of the links work? (Please specify if they don’t.)
A majority of the links worked, but I also found several places where the links didn’t work.
Lesson 1- the next page button went to Lesson 2 instead of the next part of Lesson 1
Quiz for lesson 2- the link to the answers said “page does not exist”
Lesson 2- Lesson ideas-Government-Hints-link to app “Evidence” did not exist
Collaboration Quiz- no link
4. Do the graphics add to or detract from the purpose of this page? Please explain.
I felt that all of the Graphics were appropriate for the content and purpose of the site. I believe Graphics are a personal preference. Some people like it very “busy” while others do not. The graphics were scattered throughout the text to give the eyes a visual break from all of the words. One of the You Tube videos interfered with the drop down menu of the upper tabs (Lesson 2- Create Your Own Lesson Plan-Larry Mitchell video).
5. Does the text add to or detract from the purpose of this page? Please explain.
I felt the text choice was also appropriate for the content and purpose of the site. The text was easy to read, and the color palette chosen was visually pleasing. None of the text choices or colors caused strain or made it difficult to access the information provided.
6. What do you like best about this page?
I thought adding in the videos was a nice touch. In today’s world people are often in a rush, and as teachers we are also developing new learning styles due to the digital age. We learn through seeing and doing. Having a break from reading to gain knowledge makes it user friendly.
7. What would you like to see changed?
Overall, I thought the site was helpful and informative. I can see this being used by teachers to get continuing education hours. I think having more links and resources for
“Ready-made” lesson plans for all subjects and grade levels would be helpful. One of the reasons many teachers don’t use technology is because of preparation time and lack of resources. Also, seeing examples will spark more ideas. Anything that can help make a teacher’s life easier and less stressful will definitely be utilized. Another idea would be to possibly research and include links to companies, foundations, organizations, etc. that have opportunities such as grants or funding that would help teachers possibly get free or low cost ipads, iPods, etc.
8. Do you feel three objectives presented in this website were met?
Yes.