Reflections on the presentation

Doing this week’s presentation is an eye-opener. It’s the first time for me to do the Internet research on the Internet. Most importantly, the topic is based on our own interests related to our own work experience or job goals. I really learn a lot of new knowledge and also update much that I took for grant that I knew before. I really feel that I am very ignorant about Internet use though I do “use” it every day. The following is my reflection on this presentation:

1. Online bookmarks
I have been using local bookmarks but it’s the first time that I know online bookmarks. It’s really convenient! I didn’t take my laptop back to China this winter. I was bothered that I didn’t remember many good Websites saved in my own laptop. Now, it’s never a problem.

2. Evaluating URLS
“Evaluating URLs” is not only a must for my future students but a critical skill I need in my research. Even I knew the format for identifying locations on the Web, I never expected that so much information could be gotten. We are always told or tell our students about the false information online. Still, I am stunned by the misinformation mentioned in Better Read That Again: Web Hoaxes and Misinformation. On one hand, we need to teach students to critically view online resource. On the other hand, students should learn to protect themselves while using the Internet. For instance, they should not release their personal information on the Internet.

3. A question about "domain"
In analyzing a URL(http://www.beth.k12.pa.us/schools/wwwclass/kgrammes/kgwebquest/kgwebquest.htm), I have a question (Maybe it’s really a very simple question. But I just don’t know the answer.) This is a page of Administrative Offices, Bethlehem Area School District, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Why its domain is not “edu.”? Does “pa.us” mean that it is affiliated with the state of Pennsylvania?

4. Searching Engines
I’m really amazed by so many useful searching engines! I always use Google just because I am told it’s a very powerful search engine. Actually, I know there are some others but seem to never think to have a try. If I want to search some in Chinese, I usually use “Baidu” (www.baidu.com), a widely used search engine in China. If it is not because of this course, I don’t think I would have such a chance to know and try these search tools. It’s a shame that I never think of exploring some and trying some new by myself. What’s more, “advanced search” is very useful. But I never noticed the advanced option on the right in small letters in “Google”!

5. Teaching Zack to Think (http://novemberlearning.com/default.aspx?tabid=159&type=art&site=19&parentid=18)
This is an informative article. The language is simple but powerful. The story is short but thought-provoking. I really love it. I make quotes of several sentences:
1)“Just as Zack can read people by their clothing, he can learn about a Web site by looking at its URL. But even though clothing tells us a lot, the company a person keeps tells us more. Learning how a Web page interacts within the network of all other Web sites is valuable information.”
This sagacious simile briefly but pointedly underscores the importance of reading “URL.”
2) "In the end Zack's high school arranged for an interview of a Jewish woman who lived in Europe during World War II. It is always a good idea to look beyond the Internet for sources of authentic information."
The Internet is a tool, which provides us tremendous information to facilitate our study and work and makes “impossible things” of old times become reality. But, the Internet is not real life. Don’t have ourselves hitched in the Web.

6. A point: Teaching Students to Think in the folder of Evaluating Internet-based information in Dr. Dawson’s online bookmarks seems to be a broken link.

I realize how ignorant I am as an Internet user. Meanwhile, I come to know how lucky to take this course. The more I know, the more I know I don’t know. That’s true. It’s really fascinating to do the presentation!