Thing #6

Finally had some time to sit down and walk through the long list of bogus sites.  WOW, is the first thing that comes to mind.  I can't believe that so many people have time to make these fake sites so elaborate.  The concepts are histerical on some, and yet on others, they seem to be something one could believe in.  I spent time looking at the Aluminum Foil Deflector Beanie site 1st.  http://screencast.com/t/dFPsfDlw

The site design is very cluttered.  It does seem to be quite easy to navigate through.  I'd say the first thing that would tip me off about the site, is the fact that it is unbelievable.   You will have to use some common sense when looking at sites.  There are several clues that make it very clear that the site is a spoof.  I especially like at the very bottom of the home page where under Recognition it says, " As seen in a magazine". So, what magazine???  http://screencast.com/t/CQGLjT89yMr  Another thing on this same page is the fact that it was last updated in December of 2008.  I'm thinking that no web-site is going to be legit if it hasn't been updated in two years.

On the left-hand column of the home-page you can check out the link about the government banning the AFDBs... this takes you to the "Weekly World Inquisitor".  Just the name alone puts it right up there with the National Enquirer at your local grocery stores.  On the bottom of the article is the clincher. http://screencast.com/t/wdhVcJrZBVg  This site is intended for entertainment purposes only!

Clicking through all the links it amazes me how much time was spent making this site.  The calculator on the Building teh AFDB is a crack up! http://screencast.com/t/e5nVfVP7OPx  I also love the drawings on the page! 

The second web-site I reviewed is the article about "Hacker Barbie" http://screencast.com/t/fuICn1XlX
I never liked dolls so I thought it would be fun to look at.  I have to say, it was sparse!  There was no way this was a real release.  There were not links, no images, no advertising...  Following the Valeza evaluation was not even necessary in this case.

I have book marked the Valenza sites for my kids at home to use while they are doing research!  I found the strategies for determining the credibility very useful.

My plans for engaging my students in learning about Netiquette include visiting several sites found in this lesson.  I liked the Wiredsafety site.  The Shiawassee site was how I found this, but I did notice Shiawassee was "old".  I know one thing that I will adress with my high school students is the "free" on-line music.  I have to admit I was guilty of using limewire at one time... I will be sure to have my students find the law about "free" music!  I also think I will spend time on e-mail etiquette.  This is the major form of communication for students along with texting and it is important that they learn the do's and don'ts of these when they are not in their own social network.  I hope all of my students will go on to be professionals in some field and they need to know how to communicate professionally.  The Netiquette site had a nice list of "rules" that we will spend time talking about in class.  I know the importance of electronic communication is only going to grow, so anything I can do to help my students learn the best way to do this, I will!