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.
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