by Frances A. Karnes, Ph.D.& Kristen R. Stephens, Ph.D.
(2013) Prufrock Press Inc.
paperback, 134 pp, ISBN -13: 978-1-59363-969-3
The Internet! I can remember when my previous editor, Margaret Gosfield, from the Gifted Education Communicator, used to remind me that “Internet” was capitalized. And now, not capitalizing “Internet” is unheard of. Dr. Karnes and Dr. Stephens remind us that “The Internet has sparked both a social and cultural revolution in our lives.” And this book “is designed to help teachers make better use of the Internet for educational purposes.”
The Ultimate Guide to Internet Resources for Teachers of Gifted Kids has everything. Curriculum enrichment online gives gifted students a chance to upgrade levels of learning “with more complex and challenging resources found on the Internet.”
However, teachers are busy, and because this books has all the information teachers need, it is the ideal reference to keep close to one’s lesson plans. The following is just a taste of what this book provides.
Content Experts and Mentors: E-mail, chat forums, discussion boards, blogs, and social networking sites all provide experts from “…a host of fields or peers with similar passions…”
Internet-based Classroom Tools: Maps, Videos and Animation, Time (timers and stopwatches).
Evaluation Sites: Is the site credible? Is it easy to navigate? Is the content developmentally appropriate for students?
Cautions and Special Considerations: From 2000 to 2002 there has been a 70% growth rate in Internet use. Even preschoolers are using the Internet!
Online Safety: “From identity theft to online predators, students should be cautioned and encouraged to follow some fundamental ground rules when surfing the Internet.” There are eight warnings listed that protect students.
- Never share personal information without a parent’s permission.
- Never arrange a face-to-face meeting with someone you’ve met on line without informing your parents.
- Never send your picture without the permission of your parents.
- If you come across information that makes you uncomfortable, notify your parents immediately.
- Never share your username and password with others—even your friends.
- Check with your parent before downloading any software from the Internet.
- Never post anything that could be offensive or hurt anyone’s feelings online.
- Check with your parents regarding the sites you are allowed to visit and the amount of time you are allowed to spend each day on the Internet.
Chapter two, 99 pages in detail, is all about Websites and References, many perhaps new to you. A valuable, valuable book!
Elaine S. Wiener is Associate Editor for Book Reviews for the Gifted Education Communicator. She is retired from the Garden Grove Unified School District GATE program and can be reached at 17elaine@att.net.
What would you like to read now?
- Fall 2013 Contents Page
- Using the Common Core Mathematical Practices to Assess Math Knowledge by Jared DuPree
- Fostering Intellectualism in Gifted Students by Robert Grubb
- Where in a Lesson by Sandra Kaplan
- Building a Back to School Foundation by Helene Solomon
- Using Bulletin Boards to Differentiate the Classroom Environment by Jessica Manzone
- Lessons Learned from a 20 Dollar Green Screen by The Bui
- Maximizing the Social and Emotional Growth of Gifted Children by Ann Smith
- Book review: If I’m so Smart Why Aren’t the Answers Easy? review by Elaine Wiener
- Book review: College@13, review by Elaine Wiener
- Book review: The Ultimate Guide to Internet Resources for Teachers of Gifted Kids, review by Elaine Wiener
- or go to Home page