The following selection of websites is done in order to explore possible resources to be used on a topic based unit of work.
Dudeney and Hockly (2007) provided a criteria for evaluating websites. There are 4 aspects to take into account: ACCURACY, CURRENCY, CONTENT AND FUNCTIONALITY. The websites presented on this page are evaluated according to this criteria. This is a brief explanation on the 4 aspects that were considered:
Accuracy refers to the authorship and how reliable the site is.
Currency takes into account if the content is up-to-date or not.
Content assess the relevance of the information provided and if it would be meaningful, interesting and appealing for students.
Functionality is the evaluation of the accessibility to the website. It questions if it works well and if it is user friendly to navigate.
These will all depend on the purpose of the final task and the set objectives of the lesson plan since there should be a set purpose for using internet material.
Web Type: 1.0
Accuracy: This educational channel provides science-based content for young audiences. The information is accurate and appropriate for children.
Currency: It was published in 2017. The core concepts remain valid and useful, so it could be considered still relevant.
Content: It has simple language and very clear and attractive visuals.
Functionality: Its easy to navigate and play the videos. There are subtitles available, which can support comprehension.
Take a look at a video that would be aproppriate according to the unit of work and the objectives mentioned. In this case, ss will explore ways to save water.
Web Type: 2.0
Accuracy: It is a globally trusted educational brand. It was created by the National Geographic Organization (a group of experts and scientists). It is intended to a young audience.
Currency: It keeps on launching monthly magazines, so the content is updated regularly.
Content: It provides a wide range of topics through different resources such as videos, games and articles. It shows realistic photographies that illustrate the text.
Functionality: Its intuitive, the content is well organized and login it is not required.
Take a look at an interactive quiz ss could take to find out how eco-friendly they are.
Web Type: 1.0
Accuracy: The British Council is a reliable EFL institution.
Currency: It is maintained periodically with level-appropriate materials.
Content: The language alligns well with intermediate ss. It provides clear layout and automatic scoring.
Functionality: Its functional as a revising and formative assessment tool. It promotes intuitive and autonomous navigation.
Take a look at a worksheet that could be used to check ss understanding of a piece of discourse provided in this website. It is about a documentary that looks at the problems caused when plastic waste goes into the sea.
Web Type: 2.0
Accuracy: It is developed by Microsoft Education.
Currency: It is actively maintained and teacher-focused.
Content: It can record video responses in a safe space.
Functionality: You have to downoald the app which is accessible in many devices.
Offers a variety of features for educators, including the ability to create assignments, track student progress, and provide feedback on videos.
Accuracy: Highly accurate and reliable. Talks are delivered by recognized experts, professionals, and researchers, and content is typically supported by academic research or professional experience.
Currency: New talks are uploaded regularly, reflecting updated and relevant topics.
Content: It offers a wide range of subjects, including science, technology, environmental issues, education, culture and social justice. Talks are concise and engaging.
Functionality: Its an easy to navigate and play the videos. There are search filters and downloadable transcripts in multiple langauges.
Accuracy: It is written by educators with a clear pedagogical focus.
Currency: Regularly updated with posts and teaching strategies.
Content: It provides practical tips, tutorials, lesson ideas, and examples of classroom integration of video-based learning.
Functionality: It´s user-friendly layout with clear categories
Accuracy: It is age-appropriate and published with educational purposes.
Currency: It is updated with weekly issues and timely articles on global events.
Content: It presents texts, videos, and activities aimed at young learners.
Functionality: It is simple to navigate with organized categories, search tools and downloadable classroom materials.
Take a look at a video and also article on recycling. It will provide ss with knowledge on the thre Rs: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.
Accuracy: It brings educational guidance and its technically reliable.
Currency: It updates with new templates and features frequently.
Content: It offers a wide range of templates for infographics, presentations, videos, and worksheets suitable for both teachers and students.
Functionality: It´s highly intuitive with drag-and-drop tools, collaborative options and it is easy to export and share your productions.
According to Dudeney and Hockly´s evaluation model (2007), these websites meet high standards of quality and pedagogical effectiveness. They offer support for project-based learning and display age and level appropriate content. There is a balance of passive and active learning tools (web types 1.0 and 2.0). These could aid in the planning of a unit that adresses 21st-century competences as well as reading, writing, listening and speaking skills.
References:
Bloom’s Digital Taxonomy Verbs For 21st Century Students (2016) https://www.teachthought.com/critical-thinking/blooms-digital-taxonomy-verbs-21st-century-students/
British Council. (n.d.). Environment Quiz. British Council LearnEnglish Teens. https://learnenglishteens.britishcouncil.org/skills/reading/intermediate-b1-reading/environment-quiz
Canva. (n.d.). Canva for Education. https://www.canva.com/education/
Dudeney, G., & Hockly, N. (2007). How to teach English with technology. Pearson Education.
Edpuzzle. (n.d.). Earth Day Video with Questions. https://edpuzzle.com/media/6255c28d4c5d8840b1e2b196
Flip. (n.d.). Flip for Education. https://info.flip.com/
Flip (formerly Flipgrid). (n.d.). Flip: Video discussions for education.
https://flipgridapp.com/
National Geographic Kids. (n.d.). Recycle Roundup. https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/games/action-and-adventure/recycle-roundup/
SciShow Kids. (2015, April 22). Reduce, Reuse and Recycle [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OasbYWF4_S8
TED-Ed. (2015, May 14). What really happens to the plastic you throw away? [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6xlNyWPpB8
Time for Kids. (2021). How to Recycle. https://www.timeforkids.com/g56/how-to-recycle-2/
Using Bloom’s taxonomy to write effective learning objectives. Teaching Innovation and Pedagogical Support. (2022, July 26). https://tips.uark.edu/using-blooms-taxonomy/
Note: The pictures used are screenshots from the websites mentioned.