Internet Resources

When I usually use the internet for research, I have a few selected sites that use and I never really explore the rest of the possibles. For this assignment I broke out of that shell. The amount of internet resources are astonishing. There are so many safe and educational for young students. When these young students gain access to some of the student search engines they really do have world at their finger tips. They can learn about any topic and any thing that they can imagine. This is my works cited document for my unit plan on water.

Internet Search Engines	By using internet search engines the students become more involved in their learning. They would be inquiring about the topic instead of the teacher just giving them information. This allows the students to have more "hands on" time and could help them understand the material better than the more traditional techniques. I would give the students a list of search engines and several questions that they would be able to find by using the resources.
Internet Research	It would help students learn more about their topic while allowing them the freedom to find the information needed on their own. The students would be using inquiry based learning.
Tagging/Bookmarking	Tagging is great for teachers and students to use. It simple enough for the second graders to use. Tagging would help the students with their research and it would help them with their organizational skills. I would show a simple video of how to use tagging from teacher tube and then slowly, show them an example of me doing it as well. Afterward, I would have the class follow along with a few guided tags.
E-mail	E-mail is one of the most used internet tools. It is very important for communication today. Students could use email to collaborate and help each other on homework and projects. It also gives them more access to the teacher. They can email their teacher problems or concerns at any time instead of just during their class time. This is an important way for parents to stay in contact with teachers as well. I would have the students make a separate new email account just for their class. Through this email account they can stay in contact with each other for homework help and with the teacher. They would learn how to become better collaborators by using e-mail.
Instant Messaging (IM)	Instant messaging is another useful internet tool for communication. It allows students to carry on a written conversation. This would be a great tool for students to use during projects in which they must collaborate with one another.
Surveys/Opinion Polls	Opinion polls are important because it requires communication between the students once more. It helps the students be more accountable for each other. When students look over thier other classmates assignments they are still learning. When they leave comments on what improvements need to be and how, they are learning the information over again and it becomes more concrete to them.
Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP)	This is another great form of communication for students and teachers. E-mailing and Instant messaging is useful, however, some students communicate and understand better by talking instead of just writing. It can be used by students who are collaborating on projects or assignments. Teachers can also use this tool to communicate with their students when they need help on class work. Teachers can also use VoIP in class and talk to other classrooms or guest speakers.
Blogs	Blogs are great for reflection and communication. Students can post new information that they have learned about their topic.Students would also be able to leave comments in each others blogs.
Wikis	Wikis are a great way for the class and teacher to stay in contact. Teachers can stay linked to the student's blog pages and include useful tools and links for their students to use on their wiki page.