Website model

When looking around the internet for a web site that resembles what I would like my class project to be, I found this site: http://www.njsp.k12.in.us/14282095153150317/blank/browse.asp?a=383&BMDRN=2000&BCOB=0&c=55904.  I really enjoyed the simplicity of it, it is not overwhelming, yet it gives exactly the information needed to the viewer.  Our school needs a web site for the Washington D.C. trip.  I think something like this would be great.

Some sites I found were really great, but they had a lot of bangs and whistles.  The parents I have spoken with do not want all of that.  They simply want relevant information in regards to the trip.  In starting off small, the site will be easy to maintain and capable of growth.  As the trip gains popularity, we may be able to put more content on the site.  As of now, we have only six students registered for the trip.  As interest grows, so can our site. 

One aspect of this site that I like is the photo montage.  I would like to put something like that on my site too.  I think it would help to show the students and their parents what is in store for them.  Our trip is expensive, but when the list of activities and shared experiences are shown, I think it will help to justify the costs.  I think the “Did you know” section, created by students, is a great idea, too!

Booktalk podcast

One podcast/vodcast I have found that is great for kids is found at bookwink.com.  The site is great for students in elementary and middle school grades who are looking for a book to read.  The podcasts are leveled by grades and divided by books.  Students can watch the vodcasts on their own and make their own decisions on if they want to read a specific book.  The archives section is great.  Also, if the students click on a book they are redirected to amazon.com to order the book.  This makes the reading seem more urgent; often kids lose interest between hearing about a book and going to the bookstore or library. 

On a separate, but class-related note, the site is well laid out.  The graphics and ads are minimal and kept to the side. 

The audio on this site is quiet and calming.  The woman who does the booktalks is non-threatening and perky.  She seems like a great choice for this site.  I especially liked the “popularity” episode.  Several of my students have read and liked Schooled.  Her summary of it was great!  I know more of my students would read the book after listening to her booktalk. 

Graphic representations

One web site that I have found that uses graphics well is http://www.coolmath4kids.com/.  At first, the layout of the site can be shocking to the eye, an all-black background with bright colored shapes, but the more you look at it you realize that even the layout of the homepage is teaching the students about math.  All of the icons are different geometric shapes.  If you click on a shape, you will be taken to a game or a lesson about math.  I just clicked on the “multiplication tables” option.  The site lays out graphics and words well, teaching about multiplication using images and colors that will engage the learner/target audience.  Obviously there was some collaboration when this site was being made between educators, site designers and domain experts. 

A web site that does not use graphics well would be http://www.prometheanplanet.com/en-us/.  We use this site a lot in our district.  I always feel tense when I log on to it.  There are not a lot of graphics on the main page, but the ones that are there are not needed.  Also, the constant moving of the animation is distracting from the page.  I would imagine the reason they have all of the bells and whistles is to show educators how graphics can be added to lessons, but it always makes me think “less is more” when I log in and begin my lesson planning.