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CongressLink and Congress in the Classroom

 

Ratings

Overall Rating:

5 stars
Content Quality: 5 stars
Effectiveness: 5 stars
Ease of Use: 5 stars
Reviewed: Dec 27, 2009 by Teacher Education
Overview: Congress in the Classroom® Online is designed for the exchange of ideas and information on teaching about Congress. This Web site features online access to lesson plans, student activities, historical materials,related Web sites, and subject matter experts.
Learning Goals: To help people better understand the U.S. Congress and to assist educators in the teaching about the U.S. Congress. CongressLink provides information about the U.S. Congress--how it works, its members and leaders, and the public policies it produces.
Target Student Population: Upper elementary, middle and high school level students; college level students
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills: None
Type of Material: Lecture/Presentation
Recommended Uses: A teaching resource for upper elementary, middle school, and high school classes of social studies, American government, American history, and civics. This resource could also be implemented in higher education core courses of American history and American government as well as social studies methods courses.
Technical Requirements: Web Browser, QuickTime

Evaluation and Observation

Content Quality

Rating: 5 stars
Strengths: This is an educational website supported by the Dirksen Congressional Center. The valid information about the U.S. Congress is provided by research through the Dirksen Congressional Center. The content knowledge begins with the America's independence and includes today's Congress information. The content knowledge is presented at several levels from the elementary level through the college level. The organization and the extensive information provide easy to teach content for educators. The section for kids is inviting.
Concerns: None

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool

Rating: 5 stars
Strengths: The learning goal: Students will gain knowledge from the beginning history of the U.S. Congress and continue through today's Congress. The material can be used as a whole class presentation or group projects. Individuals could also complete the self-paced online course with numerous links and evaluations. The Congress in the Classroom Web site could also be implemented in higher education core courses and history teacher education programs. Teacher candidates could use this website as a resource when teaching their practicum or student teaching lessons in upper elementary through high school level U.S. history or government classes.
Concerns: None

Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty

Rating: 5 stars
Strengths: This website is well organized and easy to navigate. There are several pages of instructions and a help button if needed. The menu options make the website very intuitive. The overall website is attractive as well as the animated section for younger students.
Concerns: None

Other Issues and Comments: None
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