Software Review: Learning.com

Web Browsing: Research and Citing Sources Grades 6-8

http://learning.com/

Review:

Because I am already quite proficient with all of the components of this series of lessons, I did not learn anything of particular note. However, I was impressed with the quality of the presentations and feel that they would be an excellent method for teaching the subject of Web literacy. The only concern that I might have with using this in a classroom is due to the inability to skip ahead in the lessons. Some students who are more advanced than others might be bored by the basic information and tune out, missing the more complex information presented farther in. Aside from this, I did not experience any problems with the program; it ran smoothly and without any bugs or other notable errors.

Learning.com Web Browsing Unit. Retrieved March 2, 2009, from http://platform.learning.com

NETS Standards Addressed:

Browsing Basics
Standards addressed:
5. Digital Citizenship- Students understand human, cultural, and societal issues related to technology and practice legal and ethical behavior.
a. advocate and practice safe, legal, and responsible use of information and technology.
6. Technology Operations and Concepts- Students demonstrate a sound understanding of technology concepts, systems, and operations.
a. understand and use technology systems.
b. select and use applications effectively and productively.

URLs
Standards addressed:
1. Creativity and Innovation- Students demonstrate creative thinking, construct knowledge, and develop innovative products and processes using technology.
a. apply existing knowledge to generate new ideas, products, or processes.
2. Communication and Collaboration- 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.
a. interact, collaborate, and publish with peers, experts, or others employing a variety of digital environments and media.
6. Technology Operations and Concepts- Students demonstrate a sound understanding of technology concepts, systems, and operations.
a. understand and use technology systems.
b. select and use applications effectively and productively.

Web Searches
Standards addressed:
4. Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Decision Making- Students use critical thinking skills to plan and conduct research, manage projects, solve problems, and make informed decisions using appropriate digital tools and resources.
c. collect and analyze data to identify solutions and/or make informed decisions.
5. Digital Citizenship- Students understand human, cultural, and societal issues related to technology and practice legal and ethical behavior.
a. advocate and practice safe, legal, and responsible use of information and technology.
6. Technology Operations and Concepts- Students demonstrate a sound understanding of technology concepts, systems, and operations.
a. understand and use technology systems.
b. select and use applications effectively and productively.

Validity and Sourcing
Standards addressed:
2. Communication and Collaboration- 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.
a. interact, collaborate, and publish with peers, experts, or others employing a variety of digital environments and media.
b. communicate information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences using a variety of media and formats.
5. Digital Citizenship- Students understand human, cultural, and societal issues related to technology and practice legal and ethical behavior.
a. advocate and practice safe, legal, and responsible use of information and technology.
b. exhibit a positive attitude toward using technology that supports collaboration, learning, and productivity.
6. Technology Operations and Concepts- Students demonstrate a sound understanding of technology concepts, systems, and operations.
a. understand and use technology systems.
b. select and use applications effectively and productively.

ISTE Standards, (2007) Nets for students 2007. Retrieved March 2, 2009, from http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/NETS/ForStudents/2007Standards/NETS_for_Students_2007.htm