This is a very simple website, with many links on the homepage, so students who are not exceptionally computer literate should not struggle with navigating to the different tools on the website. I like that it has a lot of information about Texas in an easy to access format, and the information in simple and not particularly wordy, so students who struggle with reading should not be intimidated by the website. However, we have learned a lot about how interactive learning should be and I think that is a flaw of this website. While it contains easily accessible information, I think an interactive worksheet or assignment would be necessary to make sure students are actually learning the information provided on the website. We could assign them certain aspects of Texas history to make presentations on, or provide them with worksheets which ask questions about information included in the website so that they will have to fill in the facts about Texas and through that they would learn the information. This website would be great if trying to learn little facts about Texas, but as far as learning stories about Texas, another method would be better.
By Lauren
This site that I found is about Texas and all of the facts, maps, and state symbols of Texas. On this site every main point is bold and in red. For example the first main point that is listed on this site is the state abbreviation. There aren’t any tabs that you can click on because all the information is listed down the page. The way this site organizes its information is by putting everything that has to do with the state first, and then abut the geography in another section.
Further down the page this site has pictures of some of the state symbols such as the flag, flower, and the state mammals. If you go even further down the page it has different worksheets that would be good for a teacher to use. It is good for teachers to use because it has some lessons that you could teach, like it has a page that is number to ten, and the student would have to write ten different things about their state. This site also gives ideas for younger age groups, because one activity they could do is connect the dots and at the end they will have made the shape of Texas. At the very bottom of the site it allows you to pick another state to find the same kind of information on the state of your choice.
This site would be good for kids because they could go to this site if they have a research project that has to do with finding information about Texas. I found something interesting on this site, it list the dinosaur fossils that have been found in Texas. So if the child has to find interesting facts about Texas then this site would be helpful.
When you first look at this site it is not that appealing to kids because it has some advertisement at the top and their aren’t any pretty colors or anything to make you want to explore the site. I would suggest making the site more appealing to kids so they will want to explore the site to read about all the information if has about Texas.
By Blanca
The home page for this site is simple and uncluttered. It has divisions of the site for kids in grades three and below or those not yet proficient in reading, kids in grades four and above and more advanced in reading, and for teachers and parents. Entering the sections of the site, the pages are neat, with a consistent theme throughout-large white borders on a shape similar to a long, yellow, green, or blue file folder.The site also offers a Spanish option as well as a help page, both buttons listed at the top of the pages.
The section for grades three and below is called Senate Jr. It has three activities for kids. One is a matching game using state symbols. Another is a story called "The Legend of Lone Star Bob". Last is a coloring activity. This may not be as freely available to everyone, as it requires a Shockwave plug in download.
For older children, there is more information available. Links include "Capital Tour", "Texas Trivia", "Senators", and a glossary. In the Texas Trivia, children can read facts about the state of Texas and then quiz themselves later. It includes the state symbols used in the matching game for younger children, but does not have as many pictures. The Capitol Tour gives information on the State Capitol and its history. I feel this section of the website is not that interesting and may not appeal to children unless they already have interest in Texas government and facts.
Overall, the site is aesthetically pleasing, neatly organized, and not too cluttered. The younger children's section is more "fun" while the older children's section seems more serious and full of facts to read and may not engage a child's interest for too long.
By Melissa
http://www.texasbeyondhistory.net/kids/index.html
The website from the very beginning once the home page is accessed clearly appeals to a demographic of children from both stimulating ascetics and even in text with large bold and brightly colored print reading “Kids, only”. The options to maneuver throughout the site are also animated by categories for website navigation that rotate on the home screen inviting children to explore more. Not only is the site specific to children but it also targets residents and youths of Texas with the state outlining a clock in the background and with exciting and curiosity inspiring facts about Texas and adventures of exploration that wait a click away.
By Ryan
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