Reviews-+Web+sites

Web site Reviews
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 * eThemes http://ethemes.missouri.edu
 * COST: Free
 * PUBLICATION: University of Missouri
 * REVIEWERS: University of Missouri
 * UNIQUE: This site says it contains 2,500 "content-rich, kid-safe" Web sites. I like how it encourages anyone that plays a role in teaching students to use this Web site to research Web information instead of wasting your time on Google. I think this is part of Missouri's eMints program. I like how the user can search by topic or grade level. I also enjoyed the calendar for the holiday a day information.
 * Scope: Grades K-12
 * ipl2 (Internet Public Library and Librarians’ Internet Index) @http://www.ipl.org/div/subject/index.html
 * COST: Free to search, Membership opportunities include fees to join the ipl2 member or join the ipl2 Consortium
 * PUBLICATION:Drexel University's College of Information Science & Technology, and a consortium of colleges and universities
 * REVIEWERS: students, volunteer library and information science professionals
 * UNIQUE: According to iPL2's Web site, they are "the first public library of and for the Internet community". This Web site not only includes an easy to navigate interface when researching, but they also provide an a Teen Poetry Wiki, homework help, games and puzzles. It's nice they have an "Ask an ipl2 librarian" 'button' on every page. This link connects users with questions to staff members and volunteers with possible answers. This service is 24/7, expect on some holidays. Every Web site is evaluated by librarians before it is added to ipl2's Web site. They says because it is evaluated, the links are more trustworthy.
 * Scope: Students K-12, Parents and Teachers
 * Kathy Shrock’s Guide for Educators @http://school.discoveryeducation.com/schrockguide/
 * COST: Free for Kathy Shrock's site, subscription for Discovery Education
 * PUBLICATION: Discovery Education
 * REVIEWERS: I assume Kathy Shrock and Discovery Education. It does not look like just anyone can write a review. Kathy seems to be in charge of this site.
 * UNIQUE: Besides having subject area student based educational Web site lists, this site also provides teacher helper links and articles, as well as Search Tools. I liked the link to Twitter Search. This could be very helpful for students who are using social media in their research papers. Educators can sign up for new Web site e-mail's Kathy sends out every week during the school year. This would be an easy way to keep informed of new Technology and Web sites to use with the students, without having to do the work yourself. This site is easy to use for both students and educators, especially when using the interactive site map.
 * Scope: Students to Educators
 * netTrekker d.i. (JCKL database)
 * COST: 14 day free trial, or you can request a customizable quote.
 * PUBLICATION: Thinkronize, Inc. d/b/a netTrekker
 * REVIEWERS: "highly qualified teachers"
 * UNIQUE: NetTrekker is a standards based search tool. Their Web site says they are the #1 educational search tool. They believe students need sound educational Web sites and resources that is also safe for students to use. They have over 30,000 digital resources. A wonderful feature netTrekker provides is personalized instruction where teachers can create a focus/ direct links for students to have access too. When students and teachers log in, they can view different resources. A student doesn't need lesson plans where a teacher does. Users can customize their homepage to their interests by adding and removing widgets. When researching, student can select results for all learners, ESL, or 21st Century Skills. Other search results can be student and teacher recommendations, grade level, learning games and language. netTrekker Village has teacher resources and professional development. I especially like the featured videos part. I can see myself as an LMS showing these videos to my teachers and students as an orientation tool.
 * Scope: K-12, and Teachers