Internet Assisted Instruction
 Desert Vista High School
Phoenix, AZ

Communication Technology

Productive citizens in the 21st century must be able to use communication technology. DV internet assisted instruction biology students are expected to use this technology to prepare their assignments. Students are given assignments in class that allow them to use and become comfortable with the current communication technology. Below are items that each student should feel comfortable doing after completing this class

Internet Research:


While the Internet does have a wealth of information, books have been used for a very long time. Before searching the Internet, ask yourself this question: "Is a book available that will give me the information I need quicker?"

  • DV Biology, Internet Assisted Instruction is your starting point for science research.
  • For research assignments, find information in this order:
    1. Information provided on a concept page linked from DV Biology Quarters .
    2. Links provided on concept pages to class research.
    3. Outside web page related links provided by above sites.
    4. Net directories
    5. Search engines
  • Use DV Biology Internet Assisted Instruction "news links" for information updated daily.

Evaluating Reference Websites:

Use the rubric below to determine if a Website contains scientifically correct material. Remember that anyone can put anything on the Web. You don't want to use a website as a resource if the information is not correct. Form the habit of checking information from more than one resource.

As a general rule, "When in doubt, doubt!"

 

Website Evaluation
Evaluation Areas
Evaluation Criteria
Authority of Websites
  • The author of a website is in control of its content. Knowing the qualifications of the author goes a long way to determining the accuracy of the information provided.
  • Where the website is published may be useful in determining the authority of a website.
Ask yourself: Yes No
1. Is the author identified and an e-mail or other contact provided?        
2. Does the URL show the website is published by an institution qualified in the subject?        
3. Does the website meet accepted standards in grammar, spelling, and punctuation?        
Objectivity of Websites
  • The goals and objectives of a website are not always obvious. Every reader must make their own determination about objectivity.
  • Does the document express the personal opinions of the author, or is the information supported with references?
Ask yourself: Yes No
4. Is the website free of advertising? If not, information might be biased toward the sponsor.        
5. Can the complete website be accessed without a fee or registration?        
Currency of Websites
  • The World Wide Web is a fluid document. Information should not be published and then forgotten.
  • Web documents should be updated regularly and well maintained.
Ask yourself: Yes No
6. Has the website been updated recently?        
7. Are active links provided to other Websites about the subject?        
8. Do pages load quickly with a balance of text and images?        
Overall Website Evaluation
  • The more criteria not met by a website, the less the information can be trusted.
  • If you answer "no" to more than two of the criteria above, do not use the website as a reference in DVHS science classes.

Evaluating Quality on the Net - Babson College Library

  Software:

  • Windows
    • Open a program that does not have a shortcut on your desktop.
    • Create a shortcut on your desktop.
    • Find a file on your computer if you don't know where it is saved.
  • Microsoft Office
    1. Microsoft Word
      • Change the type of font on a page.
      • Change the size of font on a page.
      • Change the margins on a page.
      • Center a line on a page.
      • Set the tabs.
      • Use WordArt and clipart.
    2. PowerPoint
      • Select a background for the slides.
      • Change the color of the print on a slide.
      • Add clipart to a slide.
      • Add a picture file to a slide.
      • Use transitions between slide.
      • Add motion to a slide.
    3. Excel
      • Place data into a spreadsheet.
      • Make a graph of data.
  • Adobe Photoshop and Paintbrush
    • Cropping a picture
    • Resizing a picture
    • Editing a picture
  • Netscape / Explorer
    • What is the purpose of the"Reload" button? When is it needed?
    • How do you view the HTML tags for a page on the web?
    • What is the purpose of the "Go" button?
  • HTML (Notepad)
    • HTML is a language that is used to build webpages.
    • While students can use Netscape Composer to make a web page, all webpage assignments in the science classes require pages to be made using straight HTML (Notepad). This is to insure students know the basic HTML "tags".
    • An explaination of the HTML tags is found on this page.

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