ALEX

ALEX (Alabama Learning Exchange) was created by teachers, for teachers, and consist of information which they've contributed in subjects(basic and new) taught in the Alabama School System in grades K-12th. Information about subjects is obtainable via courses of study, web links, lesson plans and by search, which allows the user to specify the subject and specific area of study in which they require information on or about. English Language Arts, Science, Physical Education, Technology Education, Foreign Languages as well as professional development opportunities, teaching and learning tools are just a few of the subjects and topics the site offers information on.
The site is very simple to use. For example, a second grade teacher is preparing to teach her students how to count money beginning with coins. She's interested in seeing how other teachers may have presented this information and the resources they used. From "Search", she would proceed to "Lesson Plans and Resources" which at this point she is able to check the box for "Mathematics" as well as the box for "2"(the grade she teaches) and in the box labeled "Keywords" she could put "count money" or "coins" and click "Display Results". A page displays giving information such as the subjects which these lesson plans apply, the title and an overview. After clicking on the hyperlink for the title, the teacher is then taken to the actual lesson plans of a teacher(name, school system, and name of school is listed)who has posted her lesson plan(s) which will teach students to count and identify money. The detailed plan contains an overview, content standards(both local and national), primary learning objective, duration of the lesson, materials and equipments used, technology resources, just to name a few.
As a future educator, I was excited as well as impressed with the site. It gives teachers a way to post their ideas as well as see and incorporate the ideas of others. Other techniques and teaching tools were available, making this a superb, informative site.