The following is a summary of the main points covered in this chapter.
- Types and examples of web-based lessons and projects: Types of web-based activities include electronic pen pals (keypals), electronic mentoring, electronic (virtual) field trips, electronic publishing, group development projects, problem-based learning, and social action projects.
- Integration strategies for web-based lessons: These include support for student research, motivation for writing, practice for information literacy skills, visual learning problems and solutions, development of collaboration skills, and multicultural experiences.
- Web site functions to support web-based learning activities: These include project overview, announcement, and application; tutorial instruction; information summaries and exchanges; communication and support; displays of past and current student work; and project-development centers.
- Assessment of web-based lessons: The quality of web-based lessons such as webquests may be assessed with a Webquest Rubric developed by webquest originator Bernie Dodge.
- Web page and web site software tools: Programmers and other technical experts use tools such as HTML, VRML, PERL, and other programming/authoring tools to develop web pages and web sites. Teachers and students are among those who use web development tools such as Netscape Composer, Microsoft Frontpage, Macromedia Dreamweaver, and Macromedia Flash, which produce the same web products but require less technical expertise.
- Downloading images, programs, and plug-ins: Resources that may be downloaded for web page development and use include: browser versions, PDF readers, and players for movies and other web media.
- File transfer options: When developing web products, teachers and students use email attachments to send files to each other, and FTP programs (e.g., WS_FTP) to upload completed pages to the servers on which they will reside.
- Web page development procedures: A recommended eight-step process for developing web products is: (1) plan and storyboard, (2) develop pages with text, (3) insert images and media, (4) insert links and frames, (5) insert interactive elements, (6) test in a browser, (7) publish the site, and (9) gather comments and revise.
- Web page evaluation and assessment resources: Criteria for evaluating web page/website design include good structure and organization, clear text and/or graphic links, good visual design, and easy navigation. Teachers and students may use rubrics to assess the quality of their products.
