It is very easy to use with very clear directions on HOW to navigate the features of the module. One feature that is unusual for a WBI module without requiring registration process is the PIN number allowing the user to return directly to the last page visited. It is certainly a time saver and allows students to pick up right where they left off. Accompanying worksheets are provided in PDF for printing and answering questions related to each section.
I gave the module high scores in all areas. The sections are very organized with a variety of engaging activities where the students are actually practicing the internet use techniques that the module is teaching about. Students stay on task because upon completing these activities they are given a quiz and if they pass the quiz are given a secret code. The codes are then needed to complete the final section "The Challenge" where using the skills previously taught they complete the challenge activities. Upon completion they are awarded a certificate in PDF form for printing. It even allows them to add their name!
My students love this module and actually look forward to working on it. The only negative is the limited media used. It is basically text and graphics with a few animations. But for the objectives and audience served the design is appropriate.
| Please judge the quality of the WBI by evaluating each of the following items: What to Evaluate | High | Medium | Low | Score | |||||
| Instructional Aspects: | |||||||||
| 1. Objectives clearly stated |
5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | ||||
| 2. Objectives appropriately sequenced |
5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | ||||
| 3. Instructional strategies appropriate for the objectives |
5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | ||||
| 4. Instructional activities/process clearly described |
5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | ||||
| 5. Tasks adequate/significant for achieving objectives |
5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | ||||
| 6. Resources adequate/significant for achieving objectives |
5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | ||||
| 7. Learning achievement adequately evaluated |
5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | ||||
| 8. Evaluation criteria clearly expressed |
5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | ||||
| Motivational Aspects: | |||||||||
| 9. Gaining and maintaining learners’ attention |
5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | ||||
| 10. Relating to learners’ interest and goals |
5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | ||||
| 11. Building on learners’ prior knowledge & foreshadowing what the lesson is about. |
5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | ||||
| 12. Providing positive feedback and feeling of accomplishment |
5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | ||||
| 13. Motivational strategies serve for objectives |
5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | ||||
| Web Design Aspects: | |||||||||
| 14. Navigation clear and easy to access |
5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | ||||
| 15. Authorship and date clearly stated |
5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | ||||
| 16. Text follows rules of grammar, spelling and literary composition |
5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | ||||
| 17. Use of multimedia (Text, graphic, audio, video, animation, etc.) visually appeal |
5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| 18. Mechanical aspects (No broken links, misplaced or missing images, etc.) |
5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| 19. Web design appropriate for objectives |
5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| 20. Web design appropriate for learner characteristics |
5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| Total: 96 | |||||
The I agree with you about the lack of media, but the organization and content were exemplary. Graphics and Color scheme keep it engaging and user friendly for students. The downloadable PDF files are low tech but useful.
ReplyDeleteI liked that PDF worksheets are available as you progress through the site, I am not sure if I like the use of the PIN in the website. The PIN allows you to quickly access the last page visited. However, if you click on each section, you are able to progress through the site.
ReplyDeleteThis is an AMAZING website- I love that it uses the secret codes to unlock something special in the end, and the learner must go through all sections and keep up with the special codes for each section! I did not enjoy having to click on the top left of the webpage on the website title in order to go back to the beginning after each section, so I would've enjoyed the website looping back to the homepage at the end of each section or to have an individual homepage button. But, I think the content is very appropriate for earlier learners.
ReplyDeleteThis website is awesome. It would be more effective tool to teach about the internet unit in CBA. I do agree with you about the lack of media. However, I agree with Diane that the graphics and colors help to keep the interest of the students, so they do not mind just reading the material. I just wished I taught CBA so I could use this in my class. The website seems like it would be great for the students to complete.
ReplyDeleteWhat I noticed about this site was that it was good about summarizing the objectives as a motivational strategy, letting you know what you would learn in that module. It would allow you to answer questions along the way, and then reiterate what you have learned at the end of the module, reinforcing the learner's memory of the content. I agree that the visuals were not real expensive, but what visuals were used were used well and very purposeful.
ReplyDeleteThis website seems like a really helpful tool for introducing students to the internet. I do agree that the lack of graphics would probably be off putting to students. I'm also not sure what the first quiz has to do with the internet. It's about legs.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed navigating through this website. I am going to allow my own personal children on this website. I like that you have options to share with others through all sorts of social media.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you about the lack of media, but overall, the organization and image content was well done. I thought the PDF down-loader was cool too. Lastly, The pin pad allows you to access the last page visited. This is alot quicker to find the page you need, but you will just have to keep a notepad nearby to right down the codes. Great site all in all!!!!
ReplyDeleteI loved this site. The graphics were great. I liked the audio that could be played with the writing and the directions on how to progress forward by using the blue arrow buttons. In fact all the directions were great. I loved the Simon Says game, I believe it would keep children (and adults) entertained. I agree this site should get great marks. This was a great find and a great resource to add to my collection of things my children can use.
ReplyDeleteGreat tool to open discussion about how to use the Internet. I like that there is multiple ways to assess if the students are comprehending what the site says. It also has various ways to learn reaching all learning styles.
ReplyDeleteThis is a pretty nifty site! Easy to use and understand. I love the play button so that you can heave sections read to you if necessary. I like the idea of the secret codes too...I'm a sucker for mysteries as much as any kid! One thing I don't love is the preponderance of worksheets the sight used. I would have preferred keeping things paperless, but I can see that it is impossible since you don't have to long in to the site to use it. Thinking about that, I understand the PIN system used so that you can immediately return to the page you left on a previous visit. I have to admit, I like the lack of sign-in commitment that this website offers. Seems like you sign in and you receive lots of emails. I also like the way each lesson builds on the previous one, so that it is easy to connect ideas. In all, this is a great website. I can think of a number of uses for this.
ReplyDeleteI like this website. I think it would be very beneficial to help students learn how to navigate the web. I also like the PIN option. If you have to leave before you finish, you can use the PIN option and go back to the last page you were on.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great site to use for teaching higher elementary to middle school kids how to use the Internet and Cyber Safety. It is appropriate with lots of graphics and text, and some audio and video for that age group. And, the secret cold design might appeal to this group particularly since they really like spy and hero stories. Isn't it great that we are accumulating all kinds of teaching/instructional materials for our current or future jobs or educating our family members while we are evaluating these WBI!
ReplyDelete