using web for teaching ang learning kpt4033

Teaching and Learning with Technology

Using the Web for Teaching and Learning

Chapter 8



Understanding Web Sites

A web site is• A series of related web pages

• Pages are connected by means of hyperlinks• Activating a link by clicking jumps the user to

the connected web page• Links can also jump to other web sites• Moving between pages is called navigating a

web site


Understanding the Web

• Web pages are written in a formatting language called HTML

• Web browsers are programs that translates HTML into the text and graphics on a web page

• Files written in HTML are stored in web folders on a web server

• Browsers let users browse through these files


Understanding the Web

• Every web server has a specific address called a URL

• URLs are preceded by http:// which stands for hypertext transfer protocol

• http:// designates that the method of interacting (protocol) will be via hypertext transfer

• Many browsers automatically insert http:// so users do not need to type it


Evaluating Web Sites

• Web sites should be evaluated before using them in the classroom

Web sites should• Be well designed and logical to follow• Have appropriate authority and expertise• Be free of bias• Not be selling a product or viewpoint


Multimedia on the Web

Graphics• Visual images and pictures enhance the

educational value of a Web site• Different graphic formats may impact how

easily a site is used• GIF (Graphic Interchange Format) images may

be still or animated artwork• JPEG (Joint Photographic Expert Group)

images are typically used for photographs



Audio• Sound clips can add dimension to a Web

page• Formats vary in download time and playback

• WAV and AU files may need to be downloaded before being played resulting in delays

• Streaming audio plays files as they are downloading but may require an additional (free) streaming audio player



Video• Video clips can add moving images to a Web

page• Streaming video allows for viewing as the clip

is downloaded• Due to bandwidth problems, images may be

somewhat choppy


Search Engines

• Search Engines are programs that help users find information on the Web

• Web site creators register their URL along with key words that describe their site and a brief description of their site

• Search engines maintain a data base of URLS, key words, and descriptions

• When users type in key words to find, search engines return URLs that match


Search Engines

• Some search engines use bots, automated programs, to generate their databases

• When using search engines it is important to use exact key words to avoid extraneous hits

• Boolean operators such as AND, OR, and NOT can help to refine searches and avoid undesired hits


Portals

• Some sites that started as search engine sites have grown into portals

• Portals offer a variety of services including email, conferences, and chats

• Portals are also “doorways” to other Web sites

• Unlike ISPs, portals do not provided connections to the Internet


Educational Web Resources

On Line Publications• Many magazines, newspapers, and journals

are now available via the Web• Articles can be saved or printed in HTML or

PDF formats• HTML formats require a web browser to view

or print them• PDF files need Acrobat reader to view or print

them



Professional Organizations On Line• Most major organizations have a Web

presence• Resources from organization Web sites

include news, articles, links, calendars, and conferences

• Subscribing to organizational listservs can keep busy educators current on key issues



Governmental Sites On Line• Local, state, and Federal web sites offer

valuable resources• Governmental resources can be freely used

since they are “owned” by taxpayers• The US Department of Education offers or

sponsors comprehensive services to educators including ERIC



Education Portals• Portals dedicated to teaching and learning

offer targeted resources for educators, students, and parents

Links• Most educational Web resources provide

links to related sites• Book marking these links gives quick access

to favorite sites



Classroom Management Tools• Some sites include downloadable or on line

tools for teachers• Such tools include

• Puzzle Makers• Test Generators• Diagnostic Tests (learning styles, etc)

• Electronic Grade Books



Academic Tools and Resources• Other sites include downloadable or on line

academic tools and/or resources • These include

• Lesson Plans• Worksheet Generators• Reference Tools• Encyclopedias• Teaching Ideas and Exchanges


Web Enhanced Instruction

Enhancing Communication• Teachers can enhance classroom

communications via a class Web site• FAQs on a Web site can answer common

student and parent questions• Conferences and email let people interact at

times convenient and in a manner comfortable to them

• Chats allow for documentable conversations



Linking Students to the World• Global learning communities can be

established for cross cultural sharing• Key pals establish personal contacts and

communications• Projects can be developed internationally that

engage students in research and communication



Building Bridges to Parents and Community• Class web sites share what is happening in a

classroom with parents, other schools, and the community

• Posting current homework and class events keeps parents informed

• Involving the community and posting joint projects creates and supports partnerships


Designing Class Web Sites

Storyboarding• A storyboard is a text and picture

representation of the sequence of pages on a web site

• Storyboards may be done on index cards by hand or with software tools such as Inspiration

• Storyboards let you think through the entire site and the relationships and links between pages



Site Consistency• A class Web site should be consistent in “look

and feel” from page to page• Colors should not only be visually appealing

they should be consistent in terms of use from page to page

• Buttons should be consistently placed for easy navigation



Medium vs. Message• Don’t let the versatility of Web page design

overwhelm the message being communicated

• Limit colors and font styles• Add only those animations and graphics that

enhance the message• Maintain balance and leave white space



Stay Bias Free• Information presented should be based on

facts• Opinions should be clearly identified as such• Pages should be reviewed for gender,

cultural, and ethnic biasStay Current• All materials should be dated to maintain

currency



Include a Site Map or Search Engine• Site maps show a snapshot view of all pages

included in the site• Site maps help visitors quickly find desired

pages• Offer search engine software to search your

site for desired information



Using Multimedia• Add audio and video for interest and to

enhance content• Be sure to include links to any players visitors

might need to use the multimedia components you include

Current Links• Offer links to you favorite tools, links, and

other educational resources



Provide Contact Information• Visitors may wish to contact you by email or

mail• Include a hot link to your email address as

well as your school’s postal mail addressProvide Copyright Information• Let visitors understand whether you allow

them to use elements of your pages and under what conditions



Access for Disabled Visitors• Include a design and links to software that

facilitates the use of your Web site by visitors with disabilities

Site Content• Keep content focused on your Web sites

goals• Be sure to include key elements such as

teacher name, school, class information, etc



Authoring Made Easy• Web authoring systems let teachers create

HTML files without knowing the language• Many popular applications let you save files

created by the application in HTML• Some application include Web Wizards to

facilitate layout and linking of web page files• Free authoring software may be provided by

your ISP or Web host



Uploading your Classroom Web Site• You may be able to add your site to your

school or district Web server • Or you may select to use a Web host, a site

that provides Web site space to educators• Be sure to review hosts for

• Policies regarding placing adds on your site• Amount of web space available

• To upload, you will need to use an FTP program