Internet for Teaching and Learning. Understanding the Web The Web is A collection of publicly accessible pages (web sites) on the Internet All use the

Internet for Internet for Teaching Teaching and and LearningLearning

Understanding the WebUnderstanding the Web

The Web is• A collection of publicly accessible

pages (web sites) on the Internet• All use the same language (HTML) to

present information in a text and graphics format

• The Web uses hyperlinks to connect pages or web sites to each other

Understanding the WebUnderstanding the Web

Web Site• A series of related pages written in

HTML and stored on a Web server• Hyperlinks let viewers navigate

between pages• Web browsers translate HTML into the

text and graphics seen on a web page• Browsers let visitors browse through the

web site files stored on web servers

Understanding Web SitesUnderstanding Web Sites

• Every web server has a specific address called a Uniform Resource Locator (URL)

• URLs are preceded by http:// (hypertext transfer protocol)

• Http:// designate the communications protocol between web site servers

Understanding Web SitesUnderstanding Web Sites

Anatomy of a URL

Evaluating Web SitesEvaluating Web Sites

Web Sites should be:• Evaluated before using them in the

classroom• Well organized and logical to follow• Free of bias

Evaluating Web SitesEvaluating Web Sites

Web sites should• Have appropriate authority and

expertise• Clearly site sources• Not be selling a product or viewpoint

Multimedia on the WebMultimedia on the Web

• By incorporating multimedia, websites can address diverse styles

• Plug-ins may be needed to use multimedia

• Multimedia may increase download time and require greater bandwidth


Graphics• Different graphic formats include:

• GIF (Graphic Interchange Format) images may be still or animated artwork

• JPEG (Joint Photographic Expert Group) images are typically used for photographs


Audio• Sound clips can add dimension to a

Web page• Audio formats vary in download time

and playback• WAV and AU files often need to be

downloaded before being played


•Streaming audio •plays files as they are downloading

•may require a (free) streaming audio player plug in

•Popular streaming audio players include Real Player and Windows Media Player


Video• Video clips can add moving images to a

Web page• Streaming video allows for viewing as

the clip is downloaded• Due to bandwidth problems, images

may be somewhat choppy


Virtual Reality• 3-D graphic environments that users

can manipulate and navigate• Typically requires a VR plugin• VR field trips can take students to real

or imaginary worlds

Search EnginesSearch Engines

• Programs that help users find information on the Web

• Web site creators register their URL along with key words and a brief description of their site

• Web sites URLs and key words are also extracted and added to search engines by spiders

Search EnginesSearch Engines

• Search engines maintain a data base of URLS, key words, and descriptions

• When users type in key words, search engines return hits - URLs that match

• When using search engines it is important to use precise key words

PortalsPortals

• Some sites that started as search engine sites grew into portals

• Portals offer a variety of other services including email and chats

• Portals are also “doorways” to other Web sites

• Unlike ISPs, portals do not provided connections to the Internet

Educational Web ResourcesEducational Web Resources

Online Publications• Magazines, newspapers, and journals

available via the Web• Articles can be saved or printed in

HTML or PDF formats• HTML formats require a web browser to

view or print them• PDF files need Acrobat Reader to view

or print them


Professional Organizations• Most major organizations have a Web

presence• Resources from organization Web sites

include – News, articles, links, calendars, and

conferences• Subscribing to organizational listservs

can keep busy educators current on key issues

EducationalEducational Web Resources

Weblogs (Blogs) • Virtual online spaces for an

individual’s personal commentary• Some allow others to respond to the

ideas presented• Backtracks or Links to other blogs

can be included


Governmental Sites • Local, state, and Federal web sites

offer valuable resources• Governmental resources can be

freely used • They are “owned” by taxpayers


Education Portals• Dedicated to teaching and learning • Offer targeted resources for educators

including– Lesson plans– Teacher exchanges– Teaching tools

• Also includes resources for students and parents


Favorite Links• Most educational Web

resources provide links to related sites

• Book marking these links gives quick access to favorite sites

Educational Web Resources

Classroom Management Tools• Some sites include downloadable or online

tools for teachers• Such tools include

• Puzzle Makers• Test Generators• Diagnostic Tests (learning styles, etc)• Electronic Grade Books


Academic Tools and Resources• Other sites include downloadable or online

academic tools and/or resources• These include:

• Lesson Plans• Worksheet Generators• Reference Tools• Encyclopedias• Teaching Ideas and Exchanges

Web Enhanced InstructionWeb Enhanced Instruction

Enhancing Communication• Teachers can enhance classroom

communications via a class Web site• FAQs on a Web site can answer common

questions • Forums and email let people interact

asynchronously online• Chats allow for synchronous, recorded text

conversations

Web Enhanced InstructionWeb Enhanced Instruction

Building Bridges to Parents and Community

• Class web sites share what is happening in a classroom

• Posting current homework and class events keeps parents informed

• Involving the community and posting joint projects creates and supports partnerships

Internet IssuesInternet Issues

• Acceptable Use – How should the Net be used while at school?

• Privacy – What must be done to protect student’s privacy and still use class websites?

• Filtering – What must be done to ensure inappropriate web sites are avoided?

Teaching and the InternetTeaching and the Internet

• The Net holds enormous potential for teaching and learning

• The world’s knowledge base has become accessible

• Like other instructional tools, integration of the Net into instruction requires the skills of professional educators.

Documents

Internet for Teaching and Learning. Understanding the Web The Web is A collection of publicly accessible pages (web sites) on the Internet All use the