Go to all fifteen of the following sites. [Yes ... all fifteen.] For the first fourteen follow the steps below. See special directions for site number fifteen.
1. Write the name of the site, as well as its URL (interne address).
]2. In a paragraph or two, summarize what you find on the site's home page. This section should have enough detail for me to mentally picture the page.
3. Connect to one of the site's other pages and summarize, in a paragraph or two, what you find there. This does not have to be as detailed as Step 2, but I still need enough information to know that you were here. This page must be directly related to the main page. For instance, do not click on an advertisement, Contact Us, or some other irrelevant link.
4. Explain how the site relates to this course. Be specific. Mention at least one chapter. However, you may use Chapter 1, at most, two times.
5. What is your impression of this site? Is it interesting, boring, easy to navigate, confusing, use colors well, etc.? Would you ever see yourself using this site in the future? Would you use it for psychology classes, personal use, or both? This section needs to be more than a sentence or two.
Here is an example of a very well written web site review:
1. Name and URL
American Counseling Association (ACA). www.counseling.org
2. Home page
The home page of the American Counseling Association is very simple. Their logo is at the top, followed by a short menu bar with a few options: Consumers, Student, Members Only, Resources, and News. A series of three pictures dominates the page, followed by this welcome, "Welcome. American Counseling Association -- Dedicated to the growth and development of the counseling profession and those who are served." There is a center column with News and Information. To the right is a link for a message from the organization's president. Site information and a search option are at the bottom of the page, as well as a Spanish translation
3. Other Pages Consumers
This page has much more detail than the home page. It has information about counseling for consumers and the media. A menu bar across the top gives access to the main pages (listed on the home page) as well as pages on several topics: Publications, Public Policy, Membership, Insurance, Convention, and a Career Center. A left column gives access to other information, such as a "Layperson's guide to counseling ethics," and "Finding a professional counselor."
The middle of this page gives a number of features, each with a paragraph description. One example is Counseling Corner, which gives an educational column related to the counseling profession. (Back issues are also available.) Other topics include, "5 Ways to Cope with a Crisis Situation," and, "Helping Children Cope with Trauma."
4. Relation to PSYC 2301
In this class we have learned about stress, Chapter 10, and its effects on both the physical and mental health of individuals. We have learned about mental disorders, Chapter 12. In the lifespan chapter, 8, we studied developmental changes and crises we all face. Counseling psychologists help people deal with and overcome these problems, if they cannot do it on their own. We learned about therapies in Chapter 13.
5. Evaluation of the site
This site is very simple, but is well organized. It is a little boring, because it is plain, and there is not much information about the organization. I thought it should have more information on the purpose of the site. Now that I know what the site is about, I might use it to fund information on counseling, or needed to refer someone to a counselor. At first glance though, there just isn't much there.