I selected the website for the Taronga and Dubbo zoos to have a look at for this assignment. To have a look at the site for yourself, you can either click the green words within this paragraph or click here ---> http://www.zoo.nsw.gov.au/ (they're the same thing, trust me on it!)
I chose to have a look this site because conservation and other animal-linked issues are pretty common topics of exploration within primary classrooms. A visit to old Taronga commonly figures somewhere within the school years for many children growing up in Sydney so I thought I'd have a look and see what the Zoo's website has to say for itself!
It's appropriate for primary school students in the sense that when investigating around topics of ecology, endangered species and other similarly environmentally-based things, they tend to do a bit of a web search.
Having said that, however, I would limit the website to Stage 3 students because, amongst other things that I'll talk a bit about below, successful/fruitful navigation around it relies heavily upon a more advanced degree of reading comprehension abilities.
The written text of the site uses a formal style and maintains correct spelling and grammar throughout, and uses scientific classifications when giving information on specific animals. In particular….
- Notable grammatical features evident include: use of formal language, present tense and frequent use of noun phrases, for example…..
The Orang-utan is the largest tree-dwelling animal in the world. It is highly intelligent and has even been taught to communicate using sign language in captivity. Usually solitary, females form long, close bonds with their offspring.
- Aspects of texts types on the website are heavily weighed towards descriptions, and some recounting and expository writing. (Yep, the links take you to pages that provide examples of both :) )
- The specific vocabulary is reflective of the field that it works in and is for the most part targeted at a more adult-oriented audience, making no attempts to simplify technical or industry-specific language (for example, “journey for conservation with the implementation of the Master Plans”).
The visuals on the site largely help to support the written text and are comprised of:
- photographs of animals
- top and side navigation bars (using written text)
- diagrams (e.g. maps)
The representational, interactive and compositional aspects of the photographs have clearly been very intentioned and purposeful and they provide strong examples of how images can be constructed to present a particular message, even regardless of whether that message is explicitly stated in the written text or not. In particular, the photographs of the animals are mostly close up, and either level or high angle, with a mix of demands and offers. The images are consistent with the message of conservation put forward by the zoo.
As a whole, consideration of the site’s layout and the nature of the written text puts forward the impression that it is addressing the person browsing the site as a knowledgeable interactor with the site’s content.
The most salient point on the main page is the number 90 in the centre of the page. This is brought about by the framing of the number by the shared gaze to the right of the lion and chimpanzee towards the upper-right side of the page and the frog and koala on the right. The number stands out in particular because of its white bold type against the dark background, thus drawing the browser’s attention.
This site could be used in the classroom through a number of activities on a conservation topic, or one pertinent to rainforests, or other global region. Some potential uses for the site, for your perusing pleasure, are as follows!
- The images on the site could be analysed, the message that is being expressed discussed, and sources of alternative perspectives on animals brainstormed and researched.
- The students could construct and collect images which contrast with the Zoo's messages, and present alternative views on chosen animals through their images. This knowledge could be synthesised and demonstrated through the students constructing an information brochure designed to mislead, or presenting a powerpoint information seminar to their peers to the same (and most likely comic!) effect.
- The students could explore the online Zooshop and work out what they would buy with a given budget.
- Grid co-ordinates work could be investigated through the use of the map and used as a springboard for constructing a gridded map of the school or local area, with symbols to indicated animals residing within the area!
See where else you could go to from here. I'd love to hear your ideas/opinions- just add a comment.
