Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Comparing School's Websites
First of all, I think a school website is a must these days. It makes interaction between students, staff and parents a lot easier. My mom tells me how easier it is to find out the news and events about my little sisters' school just by typing the webpage on the browser and logging in. In my days of preschool and elementary that didnt exist, all was sent by paper....boring!
Well I decided to compare and contrast these two websites:
- McLane High School http://mclane.fresno.k12.ca.us/index.html
- Willowdale Elementary http://www.mpsomaha.org/willow/
Both sites are somewhow well developed. They all have the basic buttons and links to navigate through it. They do not have a very professional desing but everything is clear and the fonts are okay to be read. The most important aspect that I noted about the Willowdale elementary is the desing, even though it is an elementary it think the colors they use are not the right ones. It makes it look like a games for kids website. It is also not very up-to-date, some current information is missing. The usefullness for the parents I think is okay, though not the best source of information to what is going on at school. For this school website, the most important details that need to be developed better would be the desing, the amount of information, and the usefullness for the parents.
McLane's high school site is pretty good. As I mentioned before the desing is not very professional, but I found it very usefull. There are many links for teachers abot technology tools (like software). The buttons on the left side cover pretty much everything someone would want to know about the shool. I think it is a very useful tool for parents, staff and students.
I will compare these two websites with the one of my elementary and junior high in Monterrey. The school's name and url are: American Institute of Monterrey http://www.aim-net.mx/. I really like this school's webpage. First of all because it is restricted, only parents can view their child's info. Of course, some other links are available for anyone. The desing is simple, only the school's colors and is very well developed. It looks professional and gives a good impression at first sight. They have all links for parents, students and staff. Students can check what homeworks they have daily on the school's website. It is very updated.
Thanks
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Technology Literacy and the Myspace Generation
I found myself really interested in this article. I think it is very good. Specially because it talks about an imminent truth. I can tell is the truth because I belong to the generation of the "Digital Natives". It starts simply with our cellphones that we carry all day long, and it ends at 1am when we check our facebook before going to bed. It is amazing how quick technology and web based information gets to the newer generations. I can tell that by own experience, I have a 12 yr old and 6 yr old sisters. They spend at least 3 hours of their afternoon in front of the PC screen or TV screen. Doing homework, playing Wii, or just looking at the Disney's Channel webpage. It is sad to see how some schools judge sites like Facebook, Myspace, Hi5, and some other. I think students have great potential through technology that educators still need to discover. The NETS explain the enormous goals and positive things that can be reached through technology. I think students are willing to use a computer instead of a pencil and paper. But, because we're not encouraged to do all of our school work electronically, we use technology for leisure. The NETS are true statements that should be pursued by every student along with the help of their professors.
I also found interesting the "characteristics of a digital native". Some of them are true and I bet many of us said more than once: "that's me".
Thanks