The internet workshop was an informative experience for me. I think that the first thing that I learned was about me. I have such a strong desire to look on Wikipedia or to do a Google search, it was hard for me to use the sites that we were asked to use. It was not hard to use them; it is just that I am so used to finding my own resources and using the ones that I like the best. I did find the websites contained a great deal of useful information. Another thing that I discovered about myself is that I like to use several different types of resources. When I am given an assignment, I like to go to the library and use resources that I can hold in my hands in addition to the internet. This unit encourages the use of several different types of resources, so I know that I will find it rewarding, it is just that this one part is based on internet research.
In doing this internet workshop, I found that the sites listed were relatively user friendly. They included excellent information and some included pictures. I especially liked the design of the Thinkquest/Pirates, Brethren of the Sea website. I believe that children would have an easy time navigating this site. The Blindkat/ Pirates of the Caribbean website was also very easy to navigate and the topics listed. The topics were listed in a very logical manner. I think that adults and children could easily use these sites.
This workshop was effective at reminding me of things that I already knew about pirates and helped to clear up misconceptions that I had about pirates. It helped me to think of pirates in an informative, historical aspect. My recent knowledge of pirates is based on fictional movies, current Somali pirates (in the news, recently), and pirate Halloween costumes and birthday parties. It was good for me to do this workshop to help me think about how they have helped shape history.
