Web-Based Learning Links
With the growth of online learners, it is necessary that we address web-based learning and how individuals can utilize the Internet to learn and apply new skills. This category will help guide web-based learners and provide them with a link to social networking, interactive learning, and current information.
Enter the World of National Geographics
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/hall/index.html
This site is based on the United States National Geography Standards and allows students and teachers to interact with various aspects of the website to promote learning and understanding for geography. Xpedition Hall is “a virtual museum filled with interactive exhibits designed to provoke reflection on how human beings shape and are shaped by the world in which we live” (http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/ hall/teachersguide.pdf). Each activity is based on the national standards and can provide students with an opportunity to interact with the necessary skills needed to learn geography.
Tour Historical Sites
http://www.historyglobe.com/jamestown/
Students can experience by interacting with this site in the development of the Jamestown Colony in the 17th century. The site is ideal for upper elementary and middle school students. Students are asked a series of questions regarding what they would do when establishing the location of a colony, how to deal with the indigenous population, what type of settlement should be built, establishing rules for the people, and what type of activities should be completed. After each question, the students submit the answers and finally, an evaluation is given regarding how the colony might survive. Students then receive a comparison to how the original Jamestown was created to their decision. It allows for students to interact with the content and make decisions.
Connect to a Health Hub of Information
http://health.howstuffworks.com/
Students in physical education or an anatomy class can use this website to research various elements of the human body and how it works. This specific area is beneficial for a student, because it contains short videos that discuss diseases to body systems. The use of multimedia can help a student gain a better understanding of a topic.
Learn about Health Issues for Kids and Teens
http://kidshealth.org
This site is divided into three areas: parents, kids and teens. Each area is age appropriate and can be useful for students in a health or science class. Links on the site provide students with information regarding: staying healthy; illness and injuries; staying safe; and health problems (to name a few). The teen section contains articles about your body; your mind; food and fitness; and drugs and alcohol. When appropriate, students can utilize the website to gain a better understanding of issues as they relate to them.
Learn How the Market Works
http://investsmart.coe.uga.edu/C001759/stocksquest/mystocks_sample.htm
An economic course may utilize this site to teach how the stock market impacts the financial world. Also, a history teacher can use the site to help students gain an understanding about the 1929 Market crash. The site allows students to buy and sell shares based on a portfolio. Also, teachers can organize students into a class to keep track of the gains and losses. Thus, students will be able to discuss their rationale for purchasing a stock and gaining a deeper understanding.
Learn about the World
http://www.eduplace.com/geonet/index.html
Houghton-Mifflin sponsored site allows students to learn about various regions of the world by answering questions in game. Students are able to select from a world or United States map. Then, a student needs to select a region and a topic. Students can explore the importance of agriculture for a region or the impact of cities. As a student answers a question, he/she gains further information regarding the answer. As a student answers more questions correctly, he/she gains more points. This site is most appropriate for an elementary level, but can help students understand various geographical terms.
Map it Out
http://xroads.virginia.edu/~MAP/map_hp.html
History courses require various maps to illustrate changes in society or to demonstrate why a battle was fought. This website provides links to multiple maps that pertain to American history from exploration through the 19th century. Also, each provides additional links to various databases that include historical maps. Various exercises can be used within a Social Studies classroom that can use this website as an excellent resource.
Tour through Time via the Library of Congress
http://www.americaslibrary.gov/cgi-bin/page.cgi
The Library of Congress created this website for students to utilize. It is divided into 5 themes: Meet Amazing Americans; Jump Back in Time; Explore the States; Join America at Play; and See, Hear and Sing. Each area allows students to learn about American history by using articles, multimedia clips, and pictures. A teacher can create various lessons to be used with this website, including a WebQuest. Overall, students can gain valuable experience with primary resources in a Social Studies classroom.