DISCOVERY CHANNEL WEBSITE

INTRODUCTION

"Discovery Education Science Connection is the only online supplemental science resource that helps educators assess where each student is in the learning process and then recommends specific multimedia content to assist with targeted instruction.

Science Connection is the comprehensive, easy-to-use solution for middle school science educators interested in reaching students and/or classrooms with different levels of baseline concept knowledge and different learning modalities.

Engaging, award-winning interactive content, intertwined with formative assessment, becomes the means to unlock student potential and help schools meet rigorous state standards."
(http://discoveryscienceconnection.com/sitenew/index.cfm)

WEB PAGE EVALUATION

Based on Cornell University’s 5-Point Criteria on evaluating web pages or documents, the educational website Discovery Science Connection is evaluated as follows:

ACCURACY
- “Provides information of the author.”
The site displays in its homepage an information in the footer that Discovery Education Online is a division of Discovery Communications, Inc. (http://corporate.discovery.com/) – a reputable multimedia and entertainment company.

- “Provides email, contact address, and phone.”
This website has a Contact Us Link which gives the appropriate information (address and phone numbers) to establish contact with them. It even has a template that we can easily use to make comments that can be submitted to them.

AUTHORITY
- “Provides credentials of authors.”
Discovery Education is a division of Discovery Communications, Inc. (DCI) which is “the number-one nonfiction media company reaching more than 1.5 billion cumulative subscribers in over 170 countries. It has over 100 networks of distinctive programming represent 29 trusted brands including Discovery Channel, TLC and Animal Planet.
All the documents (text, image, and motion) that this site presents are all under the DCI’s ownership. These documents are published on-line in the Discovery Education site.

OBJECTIVITY
- “What goals/objectives does this page meet?”
This site aims to give online supplemental science resource that helps educators assess where each student is in the learning process and then recommends specific multimedia content to assist with targeted instruction.
With the availability of resources (still images to videos), this site is able to satisfy the need to enhance the teaching experience. Students, as a result, find their learning relevant and engaging.

- “How detailed is the information?”
The content that the site gives is very extensive. The illustration and explanation is presented to suit well the level of the students. The information is very interesting and interactive. The teacher and the students will be satisfied with the many options this site presents.

- “Determine if page is a mask for advertising.”
The site is free from distracting advertisements. Discovery Communications Inc. had been excellent in providing pure educational information that the student and teacher needs.

CURRENCY
- “When was it produced? How many dead links are on the page?
Are the links current or updated regularly? Is the information on the page outdated?”
This website is current. There are NO dead links whatsoever. All links are current and being maintained regularly. The Discover Educators’ Network (DEN) has real-time updates on blogs and social networking between teachers. The information are relevant and the updated.
There are extensive and interesting interactive presentations of scientific concepts that are relevant to daily life experiences.

COVERAGE
- “Are the links (if any) evaluated and do they complement the documents' theme?”
The links are logically designed and placed that are fool-proof and user-friendly. They are easy to navigate. The links have colors that are related to the concepts.

- “Is it all images or a balance of text and images?”
The site is artfully and functionally created. The use of text and images are well – balanced and with purpose. The over-all presentation is scholarly which affirmed the objective of the site.

- “Is the information presented cited correctly?”
Teachers that contribute to the site are given appropriate citations on their work. These creations have added to the vast resources that are available in the site.

- “If page requires special software to view the information, how much are you missing if you don't have the software?”
The site does require the basic video compatibility – Microsoft Media Player, Quicktime, Adobe Flash Player, and Shockwave Flash. All these are not hard to download (best of all, they are free).
There are, however, links that need a special plug-in which so far in MacBook could not find a suitable plug-in. (I am still in the process of searching for one.) Without this plug-in, a user cannot access a specific presentation. This presentation could have enhanced the explanation of the concept as it is interactive. However, its inaccessibility would not hinder learning.

- “Is it free or is there a fee, to obtain the information?”
There is a fee that is incurred. Discovery Education is a referred site from my Live Text / United Streaming account. However, the fee for like $110+ is reasonable enough with the convenient accessibility, relevant topics, and interactive presentations.

- “Is there an option for text only, or frames, or a suggested browser for better viewing?”
There is no specific option for text only, or frames, or a suggested browser. The site, nevertheless, maintains efficient and effective navigation procedures. I am one happy and satisfied user.

EDUCATIONAL RELEVANCE
This website has stepped up as an excellent on-line resource of science teachers. It is very relevant to a teacher who wants to be effective in integrating technology in the curriculum. It is a resource that aims to achieve relevant teaching and to ensure successful learning that meets national standards.
Discovery Education is a website that exemplifies the best in 21st education!