Software Review: Learning.com

Web Browsing: Research and Citing Sources Grades 6-8

• This tutorial helped me better understand what the Internet is and how information is transferred. Though I have often used the Internet, I did not know about how a web servers send the information and how the "Web" was set up. It guided me through the different parts to a URL and what each part indicates, such as the web server, domain, etc. I work in the library and enjoyed the tutorial on research. The tutorial helped incorporate research techniques with using technology, information I do not think all college students know and this is for 6-8th graders! Overall, I liked interacting with the tutorial. It made the experience more realistic.
  
• When using this tutorial in a classroom, the only "problem" I could foresee deals with typing in the web addresses. It is easy to miss a letter here or there and could be confusing for a student if the are told the have an "error" and it is only because they missed a punctuation mark. This would teach the kids the importance of accuracy but may keep kids stumped for a long period of time.
  
• I experienced no problems while using this tutorial, however, it is hard to retain all the information given, and there should be prepared materials/activities to help students "digest" it all.

Browsing Basics:
K-12 [5] Students understand human, cultural, and societal issues related to technology and practice legal and ethical behavior. Students:
K-12 [5.a] advocate and practice safe, legal, and responsible use of information and technology.

K-12 [6] Students demonstrate a sound understanding of technology concepts, systems, and operations. Students:
K-12 [6.a] understand and use technology systems.
K-12 [6.b] select and use applications effectively and productively.

URLs:
K-12 [1] Students demonstrate creative thinking, construct knowledge, and develop innovative products and processes using technology. Students:
K-12 [1.a] apply existing knowledge to generate new ideas, products, or processes.

K-12 [2] Students use digital media and environments to communicate and work collaboratively, including at a distance, to support individual learning and contribute to the learning of others. Students:
K-12 [2.a] interact, collaborate, and publish with peers, experts, or others employing a variety of digital environments and media.

K-12 [6] Students demonstrate a sound understanding of technology concepts, systems, and operations. Students:
K-12 [6.a] understand and use technology systems.
K-12 [6.b] select and use applications effectively and productively.


Web Searches:
K-12 [3] Students apply digital tools to gather, evaluate, and use information. Students:
K-12 [3.b] locate, organize, analyze, evaluate, synthesize, and ethically use information from a variety of sources and media.
K-12 [3.c] evaluate and select information sources and digital tools based on the appropriateness to specific tasks.

K-12 [4] Students use critical thinking skills to plan and conduct research, manage projects, solve problems, and make informed decisions using appropriate digital tools and resources.
K-12 [4.c] collect and analyze data to identify solutions and/or make informed decisions.
K-12 [5] Students understand human, cultural, and societal issues related to technology and practice legal and ethical behavior. Students:
K-12 [5.a] advocate and practice safe, legal, and responsible use of information and technology.

Validity and Sourcing:
K-12 [1] Students demonstrate creative thinking, construct knowledge, and develop innovative products and processes using technology. Students:
K-12 [1.a] apply existing knowledge to generate new ideas, products, or processes.

K-12 [2] Students use digital media and environments to communicate and work collaboratively, including at a distance, to support individual learning and contribute to the learning of others. Students:
K-12 [2.a] interact, collaborate, and publish with peers, experts, or others employing a variety of digital environments and media.
K-12 [2.b] communicate information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences using a variety of media and formats.

K-12 [5] Students understand human, cultural, and societal issues related to technology and practice legal and ethical behavior. Students:
K-12 [5.a] advocate and practice safe, legal, and responsible use of information and technology.
K-12 [5.b] exhibit a positive attitude toward using technology that supports collaboration, learning, and productivity.

Resources:

(2007). Easy Tech Tutorials. Available from: <http://www.learning.com/>.

(2007). ISTE NETS for Students. Available from:
<http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/NETS/ForStudents
/2007Standards/NETS_for_Students_2007.htm>.