Is the author well known in the field of study?  Are credentials listed?  Is biographical information presented? Does the web page link to another document that you can trust? 

The website is managed by the National Council of Teacher of Mathematics (NCTM), the world's largest mathematics education organization.  They provide a link that talks about NCTM and lists all of the people on the Illuminations team.  It consists of professors and other professionals in the fields of mathematics and technology.  The university or job of each member of the Illuminations team is also listed.

Is the name of an organization given? Are there any distinctive features that identify the source as a scholarly web site?  Is the organization recognized in the field?  Is the web page stored on the author's personal account, at an educational institution, or part of an official web site?

The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics sponsors the website and their link is provided.  

Are viewpoints and images bias-free?

The viewpoints and images presented are bias-free.

Was the information presented error-free? Can the background information be verified?  Is the information current?  How do you know?

The information is error free and current.  The last updated day is posted at the bottom, September 16, 2002.  This page was created October 2, 2002.

Is the information relevant to Maryland K-12 curriculum?

NCTM is directly affiliated with Maryland Council of Teachers of Mathematics.

Is the interaction compatible with the physical and intellectual maturity of intended audience?  What leads you to your conclusion?

The website is designed for teachers, and presents the information using correct terminology and appropriate pictures.  Some of the technology lessons require the teacher to already have a knowledge of certain types of equipment.  

Is there a logical progression of topics presented in the website?

The progression from topic to topic is logical.  The information is appropriately divided into categories based on grade level, and each of those categories is further divided by subject or techniques.

Does the information adequately cover the topic for the intended audience?

This website presents a plethora of information for mathematics teachers, all of which is very helpful.

Do images load quickly?  Is there an intuitive design that fosters independent use? Are standard multimedia formats used?

All images load quickly every time you access a page.  Links to more specific categories are clearly marked and explanations popup when you move the cursor over certain topics.

Does the site follow good principles of web design? Are the pages uncluttered?  Are there captions, labels, or alternative text for all visuals?  Do graphics support the content, not merely decorative?  Does the presentation of information capture and hold the users' attention?

The graphics on the site are all colorful and eye-catching, but never clutter the screen or distract the user from the information on the page.  Colors are used to direct the user's attention to important links or topics such as grade level categories.  Captions often come up to give explanations when the cursor is moved over a link.  

I would definitely recommend this site to any future or current mathematics teacher.  It has a plethora of useful information such as lesson plans and web resources.  I am confident it will be very useful to anyone interested in mathematics education.

Is the author well known in the field of study?  Are credentials listed?  Is biographical information presented? Does the web page link to another document that you can trust? 

Greatteacher.net does not list its creator, however, it provides many links to reputable education organizations such as the National Education Organization and State Boards and Departments of Education across the country.

Is the name of an organization given? Are there any distinctive features that identify the source as a scholarly web site?  Is the organization recognized in the field?  Is the web page stored on the author's personal account, at an educational institution, or part of an official web site?

Greatteacher.net is a private organization that has many links to scholarly educational websites.  When the cursor is dragged over a topic, it is highlighted red and increases slightly in size, helping visually impaired users.  However, this creates a distracting shift in the placement of words.

Are viewpoints and images bias-free?

The opinions and images expressed on the site are all bias-free.

Was the information presented error-free? Can the background information be verified?  Is the information current?  How do you know?

The information presented was error-free, but little background information was given about the site itself.  The site does not list the date of the last update, only that the copyright date is 2002.

Is the information relevant to Maryland K-12 curriculum?

All information on the website is relevant to Maryland curriculum.

Is the interaction compatible with the physical and intellectual maturity of intended audience?  What leads you to your conclusion?

The setup is simple with links in large print to other parts of the website.  Since it was designed for teachers, the language is straightforward with no jargon, providing an easy walkthrough website.  However, there are no magnification options for visually impaired users.

Is there a logical progression of topics presented in the website?

Yes, the information is logically categorized with appropriate subcategories.

Does the information adequately cover the topic for the intended audience?

The information adequately covers all information for teachers visiting.  It also gives teachers the option of a chatroom and message board if some questions are not answered or users want to exchange ideas.

Do images load quickly?  Is there an intuitive design that fosters independent use? Are standard multimedia formats used?

Images and web setups all load quickly.

Does the site follow good principles of web design? Are the pages uncluttered?  Are there captions, labels, or alternative text for all visuals?  Do graphics support the content, not merely decorative?  Does the presentation of information capture and hold the users' attention?

Although the colors are attention-getting at first, the high contrast between the blue, yellow, and white becomes distracting.  The links which become red when the cursor is moved over them is helpful to some users, but the shift in the screen and the rest of the words is extremely distracting and frustrating.  Links are highlighted, but the bright background colors create a strong distraction throughout the website.  

Personal Assessment

I would recommend that teachers and aspiring teachers give this site a quick visit, but not make it a regular online stop.  Although the site is logically organized and can provide much assistance to teachers, many of the links become more helpful than the actual site.  It seems that this site is relatively new, and judging by the responses in the chatrooms and message boards, it is not very well known.  We may see more updates and reputability in the future, but for now I cannot recommend this site.

Information Access, Evaluation, Processing and Application.

Evaluate information critically and competently for a specific purpose

Organize, categorize, and store information for efficient retrieval

Communication

Use technologies effectively and appropriately to communicate information n a variety of formats

Use productivity and multimedia tools to communicate information

Legal, Social and Ethical Issues

Demonstrate an understanding of the legal, social and ethical issues related to technology use

Demonstrate those utilities that fit the legal guidelines of multimedia  research

Ensure that copyright laws are in compliance, fair use guidelines, security, and the child online protection

Assessment for Administration and Instruction

Use information technologies to analyze problems and develop solutions

Research, collect, process, and analyze data and report results for instructional school planning.

Integrating Tech. Into Classroom

Design, implement and assess learning experiences that incorporate student use of technology to support inquire, problem solving, communication, and/or collaboration.

Evaluate technology materials and media to determine their most appropriate instructional use

Professional Growth

Develop habits of mind that support continual learning and professional growth in technology

Identify and use resources and materials to support professional growth  in the use of technology

Participate in professional organizations and groups that support the field of educational computing and technology

Identify local, state, and national standards and use them to improve teaching and learning.

Analyze the use of emerging technologies to improve teaching and learning

Identify sources for information on emerging technologies and their uses

Evaluate the efficacy of emerging technologies to teaching and learning