The readings on teenagers on the internet highlighted things that made a lot of sense about how teenagers view websites. The study highlighted how students prefer to use the internet to search for things that interest them, but that they also need guidance to successfully use the internet. The study highlighted what we have been discussing about actually teaching students to use the internet, not just letting them loose with it.

The other piece that really made sense to me was that teenagers prefer sites that allow them to do something not just read. As well, teenagers prefer images that convey a message. It was also not surprising to find that teenagers have less patience than adults and insufficient reading skills to really look into sites with a lot of readable information.

In terms of my students I think most about the information that young kids prefer graphics and animation. My young students love Starfall and respond to the animations and sounds. When designing or finding sites for these students the sites neeed to be fun, colorful with sounds and animations.

Ok, so I'm not at all sure what direction to go for my 594 project.
Suddenly my area of interest feels stifling! I love reading and tech, but
have I gone down the wrong path!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Being a reading teacher and in ed tech concentration I am always wanting
to hear how teachers are using tech to assist in the teaching of reading and it's processes.
Have you discovered a site you love or do you use stand alone programs?
Do you use tech to help give your poor performing students extra time in areas such
as decoding?
Let me know!