The Website of Shannon Nehmer
Review of AAA Math Website Evaluation Form AAA Math J. Banfill http://www.321know.com/grade7.htm#topic88 Grade Level: 7^th Grade Mathematics Reviewed by: Shannon Nehmer WEBSITE DESCRIPTION: This site explores all topics that are addressed throughout the seventh grade curriculum. Some topics include Addition, Subtraction, Properties, Measurement, and many more. Within each topic the website addresses subtopics to better help the user understand the topics that are being addressed. By choosing Properties, you will discover; Factors, Operations, and Common Denominators to name a few. Within each subtopic the user has an opportunity to learn, practice, play, explore, and receive feedback. Each topic is then broken down in clear mathematical terms which are then followed by examples. This allows the student to fully understand either the equation or operation that is being explained. Then follows a game which allows the student to practice what they have just learned and become more comfortable with the application. With this website covering such a wide variety of areas in the seventh grade curriculum it allows students to become comfortable with the material and get a sense of just how essential mathematical concepts are. ACCURACY OF CONTENT: J. Banfill, who created this website, makes sure to illustrate and provide interactive mathematical exercises and problems that are free to the internet users. This website is designed to attract students by using bold colors, attractive icons, and appropriate grade level language. The content appears to be accurate and appealing and in keeping with the seventh grade curriculum. The web site also includes links for schools, teachers, parents, and parents who home school. Having these links allows students to reach out for further exploration with both websites and books. TECHNICAL QUALITY: The website is designed so the user must first choose the grade level at the top of the page and then the topic and lesson. The topic and lessons are broken down by bullets. Once they have chosen a grade level, (Seventh Grade) they can then choose a topic; such as Operations, which will then allow them to choose a lesson like Order of Operations. Once the user has chosen a lesson, they will then have the opportunity to learn, practice and play a learning game. The website is set up to be very user friendly and easy to operate. There are no graphics or icons that will confuse the user or distract them from the information. The website is basic but bold. I do think that it needs to be a little more visually stimulating for today’s technologically savvy youth. USE OF TECHNOLOGY: The site’s technology is not overall sophisticated and the design of the website is conducive to learning more about the various topics. At the end of each lesson there is a section for feedback, frequently asked questions, and a place where you can contact the site. When first viewing the site, I thought the section for feedback was for the student to have their questions answered or explained in a different way; however, this section is just frequently asked questions on how to operate the site. I feel a useful tool would be to have feedback on the lesson itself. This would give students an opportunity to ask questions or receive additional help. While playing the games on the website the students are able to score their games which allows them to see how their doing and if they need more practice. I do feel that any assessment is useful in helping the user understand their strengths and weaknesses. ROLE OF STUDENTS: This website helps diverse learners understand the concepts that are addressed in the curriculum for their grade level. Each user has the opportunity to choose a lesson according to their learning needs, where they can review explanations, practice examples and play games. While operating the site itself, the user has total control of what they want to do and where they want to go. I feel this site is a useful learning tool for students to exercise control over what they are learning, still having fun. ROLE OF TEACHER: Even though this website is beneficial for students, it is also a great tool for teachers. The website offers tips for teaching a topic in mathematics, useful material, ideas for the subject, and other educational websites to refer to. To help promote the website and encourage students to engage the site, teachers would need to go over the website once, and familiarize the students with the site and what they can do on the site. While the site is secure and students do not need continual monitoring, it is always best practice to observe students’ progress. CLASSROOM USAGE: The website’s information is current with Connecticut curriculum and standards, which is essential when conveying information to your students. The site is whiteboard compatible for note taking and practice examples. This allows the students to come up and try examples in a different way. You can also allow the students to work on it independently after they have completed an assignment. CRITICAL SUMMARY: AAA Math website has provided a wide range of information and useful tips for both students and teachers. Although the site is not up to today’s technological standards, it is extremely user friendly and students and teachers will find it easy to comprehend the subject and topic that is being addressed. This site is a great tool to use in any classroom. OVERALL RATING: 8 EXPLANATION OF RATING: This website receives an 8 because it engages students in their learning. It allows them to take control and search different ideas and suggestions for a mathematical explanation. It also provides them the opportunity to interact with others by playing math games that will allow them to practice critical skills.
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©S.Nehmer | Last revised 6/11/09 | snehmer@sjc.edu