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There
is an extremely wide variety of material on the Internet, ranging in its
accuracy, reliability, and value. Unlike most traditional information media
(books, magazines, organizational documents), no one has to approve the
content before it is made public. The real task is to evaluate what is found
and, in many cases, modify it to meet your needs.
This is especially true when looking for material for the adult learner
Thousands
of websites were explored and not many were suitable for the ABE student
without some modifications. Just as it is difficult to find print material
that is high interest and low reading ability it is difficult to find internet
material that is at the correct level and visually appropriate for the adult
learner.
Some
general problems were found:
Math
websites often used non-standard symbols, e.g. 4^3 instead of 43.
Few
math sites developed concepts, i.e. they were worksheet, drill based
ESL
websites are often posted from Great Britain and do not reflect "American"
English
Many
ESL sites were only grammar based - especially those developed for student
access
Social
Studies sites tended to be either too easy or too difficult
Science
sites tended to be either too easy or too difficult
Reading
sites were rarely aimed at the adult learner
Alaska LINCS Website
The
Alaska LINCS website was totally revised this year with a great new look and
improved ease of use. Over 120 sites were added to the Alaska LINCS website.
|
ESL
- 45 links |
Science
- 16 links |
|
Math
- 26 links |
Social
Studies - 16 links |
|
Reading
- 9 links |
Writing
- 8 links |
|
Other
-1 link |
|
Some
of these links are specific sites and other links take the user to multiple
sites.
Suggestions
for the future
Look
for websites that specifically address the Alaska Scope and
Sequences as they are developed
Include
references to Scope and Sequence in the description of the site
Continue to develop lesson plans that integrate technology (internet and PLATO) with traditional instruction
Continue
to expand the use of PLATO in Alaska through workshops and training
Develop
a checklist for evaluating websites
Develop
a rating system for websites
Develop
a mechanism for getting feedback from Alaska users
Encourage
Alaska teachers to send lessons that integrate technology and traditional
instruction so they can be reviewed and posted to our website