Web site review

Citation

Mavrou, K. (2013), "Web site review", Journal of Assistive Technologies, Vol. 7 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/JAT-06-2013-0016

Web site review

Article Type: Web site review From: Journal of Assistive Technologies, Volume 7, Issue 4

http://www.graphic-symbols.com

This web site has been developed to support a PhD research project on graphic symbol use. The project is funded by the Research Promotion Foundation in Cyprus under the program “Young Researchers Cyprus” (PENEK) addressed to doctoral students. The web site provides a summary of the research objectives and methodology, details of the project contributors and funding bodies, and basic information about symbols, symbol sets and systems and the use of graphic symbols in education. It is easy to navigate, well structured, with meaningful sections.

On the home page of the web site the aims of the research project are clearly stated presenting the main framework of the study and the general idea of the methodology followed. The project contributes to the field of symbol practices in mainstream education, in which research is presently limited, especially in Cyprus. Currently no research results are reported, which however are anticipated at a later stage, when the study will be completed. Thus, it is worth following updates of the web site, and be informed about the findings on how symbol use is perceived and implemented by educators in Cyprus and UK, and how these practices and beliefs can affect future research and educational practice.

Besides presenting the particular research project, this web site is a very good resource for educators, other professionals, parents, as well as university students that need to get an overview of graphic symbols. Comprehensive and useful information is provided about the main symbol sets and systems (with hyperlinks to their developers). The user can gain an idea of how these systems have been developed and progressed through time. To this end, the short descriptions and the timeline provided on the corresponding page of the web site are very specific.

Additionally, the web site has a section presenting several ways of how graphic symbols can be used in education and elsewhere. There are examples from real practice and work from this project, which are described both with pictures and narrative explanation. It is interesting that these examples cover different aspects of learning, including language, behaviour, organizational and other skills, providing helpful and practical ideas to users.

The section of References & Links includes a list of references cited on the different sections of the web site as well as links to other web sites related to symbols, disability and education. This is a very good resource for users that may be interested in obtaining further information on the use of symbols and related issues. The project reported on this web site can be meaningful for audiences from both academia and educational practice. Hence, in order to extend usefulness to both audiences, the section of References & Links can be expanded in two ways: first, references can be extended to bibliography and include further readings from current literature on symbols, either research or theoretical relevant work. Academics, students and researchers will appreciate scientific resources that support the project's argument; and second, links may include web sites that report or demonstrate further ways of using symbols in education and other settings. Evidence from other practice will help practitioners make further connections with this project, and attract more interest on the effectiveness of symbol use.

Through the reported project, this web site brings a comprehensive overview of the use of graphic symbols in education. Contacts of contributors and announcements on related conferences and events posted are also helpful. It is worth keeping track of the projects’ development and final results, and certainly it is worth saving this as an easy-to-access and simply structured initial resource on graphic symbols.

Katerina Mavrou

European University Cyprus, Cyprus