URL: https://www.digitalpassport.org/missionpage/Website%20Search%20%20%2526%20Evaluation

Cost: Free

Accessibility: Any web browser that supports Adobe Flash Player

Suggested age group: Years 4-8

Curriculum Links: ICT Capability Defining and Planning Information Searches Level 4

Description: Part of the Common Sense Media Digital Passport, this is a combination of an instructional video about effectively searching for information using the Internet and a game that requires students to select key search terms related to given topics.

 

Rationale:

Search Shark promotes independent learning through the behavioral learning theory as it requires students to take control of their own learning by applying their understandings from the instructional video to and repeatedly identify key search terms related to different topics until they demonstrate mastery of the skill (Roblyer and Doering, 2010). This interactive task could be used in classrooms as a way of teaching students how to conduct efficient Internet searches by planning to use key search terms. Search Shark is an effective teaching resource as it is an engaging game and engagement is vital when using technology for learning (Lamonica, 2010). Students are naturally more engaged when participating in game-based learning activities like Search Shark that have a narrative context and provide immediate feedback to learners (Juhari and Zin, 2013).

 

References

 

   Australian Curriculum and Assessment Reporting Authority. (2014). Foundation to Year 10 Curriculum: ICT General Capability Learning Continuum. Retrieved from http://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/generalcapabilities/information-and-communication-technology-capability/continuum#layout=columns

 

   Juhari, S. F., & Zin, N. A. M. (2013). Educating Children about Internet Safety through Digital Game Based Learning. Int. Journal of Interactive Digital Media, 1(1), 65-70. Retrieved from http://magicx.my/ijidm/wp-content/uploads/2013-1-1-10-sarah.pdf

 

   Lamonica, C. (2010). What are the Benefits of Blogging in the Elementary Classroom? (Doctoral dissertation, St. John Fisher College). Retrieved from http://reflectivepractitioner.pbworks.com/f/Lamonica+Capstone+Paper.pdf

 

   Roblyer, M. D., & Doering, A. H. (2013). Integrating educational technology into teaching. [Kindle version]. Retrieved from http://www.amazon.com