Website Wednesday on Thursday

Once again time got away from me yesterday, so today I bring you the Thursday version of Website Wednesday.  Highlighted below are some of the best of websites I’ve looked at recently that you can really use.

Math-e-book is all about practicing math skills, both online and offline. Skills are arranged by level (not grade), and then by math concept. Options for online practice and printable offline practice sheets are available for all math concepts. What a great way to differentiate!

I’ve shared Thinkfinity with you before, but the site keeps expanding, and is definitely worth another look. The site brings together content from a number of partners, including ReadWriteThink, Smithsonian History Explorer, Illuminations, Science Net Links, Literacy Network, and more. Not only are the resources organized by content and grade level, but the entire site is searchable. You’ll want to spend some time here exploring the high quality lesson plans, online activities, and other materials.

Jog the Web is an interesting online tool that allows the user to create a guided tour of one or more webpages. Notes and questions from the teacher are shown at the top of the window, while the webpage is below it. This helps students know what they are looking for on each webpage. Navigation from one page to another is accomplished through links on the left side of the window. Think of it as a step up from a WebQuest. If you can copy and paste a URL, you can set up a Jog for your students. I think this has the potential to save valuable instruction time since students can be pointed directly to a webpage and guided through finding needed information. One drawback I found is that a comments page is automatically added to the Jog, whether or not you want it. However, that could be a way for students to answer a “big idea” question. An end page is also automatically added, directing users to other similar Jogs. Students could just be told to not click on the links. Want to see a sample of a Jog? I created one to point out a few things on the new Elementary Instructional Technology website. You can find the jog here: http://www.jogtheweb.com/run/F8DBYT3npoGH/PCS-Practice.

If you like these sites post a comment and share your thoughts with other teachers.  How do you think they helped you and/or your students?

If you find a resource that should be highlighted here, be sure to let me know!