As the world of technology continues to progress, the use of the Internet become more prevalent in daily lives. While to some this is a sign of the downturn of our society into superficial techno-freaks, there are actually some sites out on the Web that can be advantageous.
Here are four Web sites every teen should bookmark — right now.
The site: My Life is Average
The facts: A recent rise to popularity has catapulted My Life is Average (MLIA) to stardom, providing a quick source of entertainment from short stories of the average person’s life. Readers can submit stories without volunteering personal information.
For example, one of the top-rated stories reads:
“Today, I filled a Windex bottle with blue Gatorade. I then sprayed it into my mouth in front of my mother. She began to panic and scream and get hysterical. I thought it was funny. She didn’t. MLIA.”
Student said: “I go on [MLIA] every now and then, about once a week,” Kelsey Gunner, ’11, said. “It’s funny and interesting to read about other people’s average stories.”
The site: Hulu
The facts: Another at-your-leisure site, Hulu offers easy access to individual TV episodes for free, with only occasional commercials. Many episodes are available the day after broadcasts, and some in high definition.
Student said: “It’s a good way to keep up with the TV shows I enjoy that I can’t watch when they are usually aired,” junior Frank Daniel, who uses the site daily, said. “This helps me watch the television I love on my own time.”
The site: Fresno Christian’s math page
The facts: For those who need help with homework, math department head Michael Fenton’s online site is a useful resource, including math lab schedules, recorded lessons and online textbooks. Fenton also uploads audio-visual podcasts of in-class lessons to iTunes.
Student said: “[I typically use mathlab] whenever I am out of town for the day and need to do my math homework,” Brianna Carlson, ’12, said. “It’s a lot better than copying a friend’s notes, and I don’t constantly need explanations from Mr. Fenton; I can actually understand the math from the days missed!”
Some amusement often comes in addition with the instruction, as Fenton’s technology records all the noise in the classroom.
“I enjoy knowing the jokes of the day,” Carlson said. “The first time I watched a movie, it opened with Mr. Fenton saying, ‘David, get out from under the table! Oh great, now I will have to explain to those watching the video why David was under the table….'”
Site: Zinch
The facts: Similarly to Fenton’s math database, Zinch supports education by helping facilitate the college and scholarship process for high school students. It acts as a search engine for student scholarships, helps colleges recruit students and graduating seniors create publicizing profiles.
Student said: “Until I knew where I was going for college, I would check out Zinch about two to three times a week to look into my options for where I wanted to further my education,” senior Alex Aleman said. “I would also use it to communicate with others of my similar interests.”
For more information about the math department, read the Feb. 26 article, Fenton leads math trailblazing, or e-mail Fenton.
For more about the college application process, e-mail academic adviser Molly Sargent
For more information on student online resources, read the Oct. 14, 2009 article, EBSCOHost supplements research sources.
