ERIC Number: EJ697377
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2005-May
Pages: 3
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1082-5754
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
The Power in the Portal
Chamberlain, Cathy
Learning & Leading with Technology, v32 n8 p25-27 May 2005
Educational portals put together links to sites and resources educators would be interested in viewing. They eliminate the hours of searching that might be invested if typical search engines were used. Educational portals feature lessons, units, printable resources, creative ideas, and more. Many of these sites are free, while others are subscription services that offer additional resources. However, many of these portals have differing educational goals and may not match the goals for schools or districts. What is done then? This article discusses: Unpacking the Resources; Standards and Curriculum; Study Zone; and Curriculum Collection. It concludes that educational portals are valuable, but a gateway can be created for a community that offers streamlined content and is often created by its own members. Take one step at a time by creating incremental goals in its creation. Customizing a portal helps by looking at the particular needs of the learning community. District portals can be an invaluable resource for the whole learning community. The message they send speaks volumes about the commitment the district has toward learning and sharing. The focus is on the direction and needs that are unique to the district. Ultimately, the content and resources included are driven by the district's instructional vision and intended audience. Before long, it will be apparent how these first steps may lead to the realization that through the efforts of the district portal, the entire learning community can become empowered.
Descriptors: Search Engines, Internet, Shared Resources and Services, Educational Technology, Technology Uses in Education
International Society for Technology in Education, 480 Charnelton Street, Eugene, OR 97401-2626. Tel: 800-336-5191 (Toll Free); Tel: 541-302-3777; e-mail: iste@iste.org.
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A

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