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AUGUST, 1997
Straight Talk About School
http://www.balancenet.org/
GRADE LEVEL: 9-12+
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CONTENT:
This site is based on the "Straight Talk About School" program used by school in its kit form. The Web site allows students to discuss "real issues" with their peers.
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AESTHETICS:
The Web site uses a dark background with fluorescent colors and fast animation that appeals to its intended audience (high school students) but can be difficult to read for long periods of time.
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ORGANIZATION:
The navigation menu is on each page with a link to the homepage available at the bottom. Each page has a link to the "Zap" section, which takes the user to a randomly selected area of the Web site. A site map is also available.
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REVIEW:
The "Straight Talk About School" program allows teachers, coaches and student advisors to help students "look at where they were headed, define their goals, and find ways to do what they wanted with their lives." The Web site pursues a lot of those same points but lets students talk to each other "in a safe, monitored forum about things that matter to them." The site has activities and materials that can be used online or downloaded and printed for use in classrooms without computer access. The Web site has a Monthly Focus topic and
provides a schedule so teachers can plan their lessons accordingly. Other areas include the "Work It Out" activities that allow students to further think about the topics presented; some college, financial aid, and scholarship competition resources; and links to online experts who discuss getting a first job and the college admissions process. The site mentions that it is in the process of building a lesson plan library which will greatly enhance the ease of use for this site. While younger students may not be able to use most of the information here, high school students would certainly benefit greatly, as could
their teachers and advisors.
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