Assignment:
Design an instructional tool (e.g., blog, wiki, web-application, etc.) that presents information on a topic of your choice, and incorporate at least three of the following elements:
• KISS principle (Keep it Simple for Students)
• Write clearly and succinctly
• Limit information on each page
• Use simple graphics that load quickly
• Provide navigational support
• Make sure your pages are accessible
Then, addresses all of the following elements:
• Identify your users/audience.
• Provide a link to your instructional tool, and explain its purpose.
• Describe how you have incorporated at least three of above elements into your instructional tool.
• Evaluate the process of creating your instructional tool (i.e., was it fun, frustrating, overwhelming, exciting?).
• Determine how likely you would be to utilize something like this in the classroom. Why or why not?
The below resources will help you complete this assignment.
Blogging sites:
• Blogger
• WordPress
• Edublogs
Wiki sites:
• PBWorks
• Wetpaint
• Wikispaces
Web-based applications:
Information and time management sites:
• 30 Boxes
• Backpack
Online office and collaboration software sites:
• Num Sum
• ThinkFree Online
• Zoho
Lastly, please note that Kathy Schrock provides checklists for the evaluation of websites at various grade levels in her Critical Evaluation Surveys and Resources. If you would like additional assistance, visit five websites developed by K-12 schools and evaluate them according to the criteria provided in the text in as outlined in Schrock's checklist, above. This optional element is not required.