Web Resources to Use in my Classroom

Livemocha
One web resource that I would use in my class is Livemocha.  This site is interactive and is a form of social learning.  Students can enter what language they speak and what language they are looking to learn, so if English is not their first language, they can still get the same out of the site as the other students in the class.  They can explore culture and pictures posted by other people.  They can chat with Spanish speakers, although I would be hesitant to tell my students to use this function for safety reasons.  This site gives students many ways to practice their Spanish.

The vocabulary flash cards have the words and phrases written out as well as an audio clip to go along with them.  This allows the students to see it written out and hear how it is pronounced.  The pictures also demonstrate what the saying is, so even if the student doesn't know the saying, the picture can help them make an educated guess.  If they still don't know the word, they can hit the translate button.  All of these functions will make it easier for the students to understand and remember the information.  It caters to many different learning preferences.  There are also games and quizzes so the students can practice the material on their own.  There are many different levels and sections within each level, so the students can progress through the material on their own.  If they need more review they can get it and if they want to move ahead and challenge themselves they have that option as well (Livemocha, 2011).

Netiquette
Another site I would consider using is one on netiquette.  I believe it is very important for students to understand how to act online.  Since high school students today use the internet so often, they need to know what is appropriate to do and to put up online.  Whether they use the internet often in my class or not, this is an important lesson to learn.  I feel as though most students just brush off what they hear about netiquette, but I would spend a significant amount of time on this subject so that they understood the importance.

This website Netiquette (Ross, 2004) is a great resource because it is so detailed.  It explains how to write an email, which I feel students do not know how to do properly.  They do not think they are a formal means of communication, when in reality they are.  What I really like about this site is the part about netiquette at home.  This is something students do not think about, but it is extremely important.  High school students spend a good portion of their day online, browsing through social networking sites and finding ways to entertain themselves.  This site, however, explains that students need to spend time away from the computer and with their families.  It even gives tips on the best time to use the internet in order to optimize family time.




References

Livemocha (2010). Retrieved from http://www.livemocha.com/sihp

Ross, S. (2004). Nettiquette. Retrieved from http://www.albion.com/netiquette/book/index.html