Web site evaluation - www.big6.com

Overview of the site:

This site was developed to distribute information about better ways of teaching students how to use modern technology in finding answers and solve problems. It refers to using a method they call “The Big 6”. The Big 6 are six steps that students should take to help them in their discovery process. I have listed The Big 6 below and a more in-depth description can be found on the site at http://www.big6.com/what-is-the-big6/

1. Task Definition
2. Information Seeking Strategies
3. Location and Access
4. Use of Information
5. Synthesis
6. Evaluation

Positives of the site:

It provides a new look at how students can systematically break down problems to find solutions using the internet or other avenues. The authors (Robert Berkowitz and Mike Eisenberg) provide many of their PowerPoint slides for free on the site so that you can get a better idea of how The Big 6 could be used.

Negatives of the site:

There is too much on the home page. It would be much better to keep the page clear and concise.
• Top navigation bar - nine links
• Left side navigation bar - over 30 links, a poll, and a whole list of advertisements
• Middle frame - 10 headers that link to other articles with multiple sub links and a very slow loading slide show that looks like blank space until it is loaded
• Right navigation bar - full of advertisements and sponsor links

Without the desire to figure out what The Big 6 are, I would not have stayed on the page long enough to gain any information.

Value of the site to information-age education:

This site provides lots of good information to help educators take a step back and look at a systematic way to teach students how to glen information from all that is offered through modern communication. I would recommend others to spend some time to look at what is offered. There are many slides posted on the site that can at least give ideas of if this is something that could be incorporated into your teaching.