Website Review

Website Review

CLEO- Collaborative Learning Environments Online
http://teaparty.terc.edu/testbed.html
Purpose of Site
To provide a place where data rich inquiry projects in Math & Science
Intended Audience
Teachers & Students
Collaborative Learning Experiences
Online Mentoring, Virtual Conferences, Interactive Poster Halls, Use of Telecommunications to conduct Scientific Investigations Around the World, Webquests, Digital Videos, Extensive List of Program Resources http://www.terc.edu/programs.html

Advantages/
Disadvantages
The primary advantage of this site is the vast amount of resources that are provided. The main disadvantage is that the design is not as child friendly as it could be.
My Opinion
I would definitely use this site for project development.

Belvedere
(http://lilt.ics.hawaii.edu/lilt/software/belvedere/index.html)
Purpose of Site
To help students learn critical inquiry skills that they can apply in science and other subjects.
Intended Audience
Teachers & Students
Collaborative Learning Experiences
Problem-based collaborative and developing concept maps through which middle-school and high-school students learn critical inquiry skills that they can apply in everyday life as well as in science
Advantages/
Disadvantages
This software will allow students to make scientific based concepts maps while working in teams and taking responsibility for their own learning. I am concerned about the software interface in terms of difficulty.
My Opinion
This software appears to be something that could be used in most technologically based classrooms.



I*EARN Learning Circles
(http://www.iearn.org/circles/
Purpose of Site
To create Learning Circles which are highly interactive, project-based partnerships. This is done among a small number of schools located throughout the world.
Intended Audience
Teachers & Students
Collaborative Learning Experiences
Online collaboration that includes writing, photography, & digital video
Advantages/
Disadvantages
I was most impressed with the organization and the registration reuirements along with the specified time frame. The only disadvantage was that some of the links on the site did not work.
My Opinion
My Hero is the theme for 2006-2007 and as a school counselor, I think that activities that focus on character development are far too often not done. I liked this site the most of the three reviewed.