Assessment

The missing ingredient in most educational websites is interaction. Static webpages of text and graphics can never fully engage the learner in active learning. Online quizzes and games can breathe life into a "dead" website and reinforce learning. Online journals and student portfolios move an educational website toward performance-based and authentic assessment. Threaded discussions and chat rooms introduce the kinds of discourse necessary for higher-level learning.

Consider the following questions when evaluating the interaction of educational websites:

• Does the site integrate interaction beyond simple navigation?

• Does the site offer clear instructions for online activities?

• Does the site provide appropriate feedback for user input?

• Does the site offer overall assessment, if appropriate?