Kristina Daggett

Iowa State University

Lesson Title: Introduction to Web Site Visual Analysis

Level/Subject:  English 150 HC

Date:  10/13/09

Objectives:

• SWBAT share what they already know about web site design/evaluation
• SWBAT see through a video a few more techniques for web site design/evaluation
• SWBAT analyze web sites I have selected based on their interests
• SWBAT brainstorm ideas on how to critically analyze a web site

Materials Needed:

For Teacher:

·         Links on Moodle prepared

For Students:

·         Paper

·         Pencil

Before Class:

1.      Allow Evaluating a Web Site video to download onto main computer

2.      Set out cards with students names on them

3.      Have students pick theirs up as they enter the room

4.      At the start of class collect the leftovers and put with attendance sheet

Introduction:  

5.      Ask students about weekend while collecting Assignment 4

6.      Explain class activities for the day

a.       Talk about different ideas that go into designing a web site

b.      Have students analyze two MLK web sites and explore differences between the sites

c.       Show video on Evaluating a Web Site

d.      Visit three web sites in pairs and fill out Web Site Analysis WS

e.       Discuss how we could analyze them more critically

Procedure: 

7.      Talk as a class about different ideas that go into designing a web site

8.      Have students analyze two MLK web sites and explore differences between the sites

a.       www.martinlutherking.org

b.       www.thekingcenter.org

9.      Show video on Evaluating a Web Site

10.  Answer the following in pairs reflecting on the video (submit via Moodle):

a.       Give two characteristics of the OncoLink site that help make it clear whether this is a reliable place to go for cancer information.

b.      What kind of research might the Smoker’s With Attitude Web Site be useful for?

c.       List two pieces of information that, if added to the Sports and the Arts Without Tobacco page from the World Health Organization, would help make it a more useful source for your research.

d.      Explain under what circumstances the martinlutherking.org site might be useful for research.

e.       List two characteristics of the kingcenter.org site that make it a more objective tool for research than the martinlutherking.org site.

11.  Visit three web sites in pairs:

a.       http://www.webmd.com/

b.      http://www.ivillage.com/

c.       http://www.deere.com/en_US/deerecom/usa_canada.html

d.      http://www.cyclones.com/

e.       http://www.rescueink.org/

f.       http://www.xbox.com/en-US/

12.  Fill out Web Site Analysis WS for three of the following web sites (submit via Moodle):

Web Site Analysis Worksheet Title of Web Site
URL of Web Site
What age group is this Web site for?
What would a person use this Web site for?
How would a person interact with the information on this Web site? What literacy skills are necessary?

 

13.  Discuss how we could analyze them more critically

Closure: 

14.  Discuss how we can apply what we have learned from analyzing web sites to creating our own web sites

15.  Assign HW:

a.       Read Ch 17 pp. 458-469 (skim) and Ch 18 pp. 471-480 (read thoroughly) CMGH

b.      Bring a brochure to class (pick one up at the MU/advising center/bank/library/somewhere on campus)

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