Sheppard Software

Sheppard Software: The first few times I stumbled across this link, I didn’t include it in any of my resources; the colors of the site are quite bright, the titles of sections are titled “Kid’s Corner”, and even some of the pictures were of children. I was concerned that including the information would make my adult learners feel as if they were not viewed as a mature individual.

However, after taking a closer look, I realized that the site is evolving. The developers realized the information was not only attracting their initial audience – elementary aged students – but it’s also beginning to attract a wider audience. At the bottom of the page, the information is divided into levels, such as what would be interest an elementary, a high school, or an adult student.

One of the problems that many of our students face is loosing academic time while they are acquiring the language skills; thus, the students spend the time learning English rather than the specifics of geography. This site could possible link the two areas if the students are specifically directed to the specific subject. As teachers, we know that students learn faster when engaged and interested in the topic!

Before introducing this to students, pre-screen the site. Be sure that the link that you send the students includes more of the mature material. Thus, sending them to the “Painting Activities” page really wouldn’t be helpful. Nevertheless, the resource is DEFINITELY worth looking into!