What are the criteria for selecting online
resources and tools for young learners?
Sites which students will use directly MUST be:
- useful - give students opportunities to learn and do important things
- effective - do something at least as well and as effectively as a teacher
- efficient - have a learning curve appropriate for the benefits
- clean and clear - offer few distractions, no inappropriate images, text or links
- manageable - can be used in an
educational, not just learning, setting
Some additional features I look for and value:
- productive in nature, not just consumptive
- limited or no advertising
- sense of fun and/or humor
- allow for or encourage "double-dipping" meeting multiple objectives or standards at once
A few Examples to Consider
Literacy and More - Between the Lions
http://pbskids.org/lions/games/
Boohbah
Real or Make Believe - Game Goo
http://www.earobics.com/gamegoo/gooey.html
Math Counting Game
http://home.earthlink.net/~cmalumphy/countinggame.html
The iBoard Collection
http://www.tes.iboard.co.uk/player/index.htm
ABCYa!