With countless millions of web pages, files, and programs on the Internet today, there are certainly some priceless gems to be found.  However, there is more than a fair share of rhinestones mixed in, that is flashy web pages that look great until you actually read their content to find out that they really offer very little useful information.  Beyond that, there are just as many plain old rocks, resources that are as common as gravel and just about as valuable.

So how can you tell if a technology resource is worthy to be called a "treasure" and added to our collection?  While there is no definitive test, there are certainly some guidelines to consider when examining your finds under the microscope.
 

	Is it aligned to standards?
	Is it attractive?
	Is it informative?
	Does it do something better than could be done without technology?

Is it aligned to standards?

This HAS to be the first question you ask yourself.  Not "How cool is the site?"  Not "How well written is this lesson?"  Not "How much will my kids like this project?"

The question is "Does this resource help my students learn the information that the course of study says they are supposed to learn from me this year?"

Sure, there are a lot of great technology resources out there, but that doesn't mean you can actually use all of them.  The problem develops when we come across something exciting and then try to figure out how to fit it into our curriculum.  Many times when we do that we can end up spending time in class that does not address what the students are really supposed to be learning.  Instead of truly integrating technology into our curriculum, we take a detour from the lesson to "have some fun" with the computers.  It shouldn't be this way.

Instead the curriculum needs to drive the technology use.  The beauty of the Treasure Chest is you can't add a resource without tying it to an indicator in the Ohio Academic Content Standards.  We need to pick resources that directly support what our kids are supposed to learn.

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Is it attractive?

Web pages are different than any other form of media, and they should take advantage of that.  There is no excuse for a web page to be simply black text on a white background.  On the other hand, whatever design elements are used should not be distracting, but contribute to the content and purpose of the site.  Here is a list of some good features that can enhance tech resources when used properly:

• Attractive color scheme
• Interesting graphics
• Animated graphics
• Background music
• Menus and links that are easy to navigate and understand
• Quick loading of the page
• Page doesn't scroll off the side of the screen
• Good use of flash, shockwave, or java
• Font is a good size and style to be read easily

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Is it informative?

Of course it is not enough for a resource to simply look attractive.  It must also provide useful information that is appropriate to the level and need of the user.  Here are some good points to look for in any technology resource:

• The information is clear and understandable
• The information is appropriate to the age and interest of the intended audience
• The information has not become outdated
• The information appears accurate
• The information is not biased (or is easily identified as being biased)
• Links are included to relevant outside sources

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Does it do something better than could be done without technology?

Let's face it, technology costs money.  Computers, software, training time, network wiring, and repairs all consume resources.  To be justified, technology needs to earn its keep.  It needs to offer something that can not be found otherwise.  What can a technology resource offer that is "better" than a book, a handout, physical manipulatives, and such?

• Access to MORE information than would otherwise be available

Technology can increase the quantity of information.  Our text books only have so many pages.  Our libraries only contain so many books.  The Internet is the closest thing to infinite we have.  Web pages, lesson plans, databases, and more can offer exhaustive information on subjects that just can be found anywhere else.
• Access to BETTER information than would otherwise be available

Technology can also increase the quality of information.  One way it does this is by providing the most up-to-date data on populations, scientific finds, and current issues that our static textbooks will not include for years to come.  Quality can also increase through the multimedia available in technology.  Web pages can provide large full-color photos, video, animations, sound, music, virtual representations, and more that won't be found on a photocopied handout.
• Access to COLLABORATION

Something else that technology resources can do is provide a way for students to interact with people they normally would not be able to contact easily.  Using the internet students can find penpals (or rather "keypals") all over the world, and then use email to discuss their cultures.  Web-based projects can allow students from all over to work on a problem, combining their data and ideas to arrive at a better solution.  Through the web, questions can be asked of experts from all fields, and their adventures and experiences can be shared with children.
• Providing quicker FEEDBACK

In a classroom there is only one of you ... and about 25 of them.  Even at our best, we don't have the time to give our students the quick and consistent evaluations that would help them to monitor their progress more.  Although not a replacement for the detailed comments we give our pupils, technology can supplement through software, shockwave games, and  interactive java applets that immediately tell the user if they missed the problem and offer reteaching to get them on the right track, right away.
• Provide MOTIVATION

Technology can be fun!  The fact that video games, special effects, and music videos permeate our society, shows that many people get excited about the electronic revolution.  That same enthusiasm can translate into greater student interest in technology infused lessons and activities.  Be careful though, this principle works both ways.  There are also people who don't care much for turning on a computer and could be turned off by the project.
• Providing more CONVENIENT access to information

Convenience can take on many forms.  Maybe it means that you get information faster than having to wait for a book to be returned or a letter to arrive.  Maybe it means the information is consolidated in one place, coming through one computer screen, rather than having to travel to several libraries.  Maybe it even can mean cheaper access to information.  Sure computers cost money, but so do photocopies to be made, gas for travel, long-distance phone bills, and other forms of traditional information gathering.

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