Simplify the Internet with “Tiny URL”

Posted on 09. Dec, 2008 by Theresa McGee in All Posts, Cool+Creative, Tech Stuff, Techniques

In a post from October, I described how to use fun websites motivational tool to create a positive learning environment.  This classroom management strategy has worked out very well for me – although I have hesitated giving out some of my favorite websites with long URL addresses. (Some of these URL addresses are over 40, even 60 characters in length with underscore, slashes, #, etc.)
Tiny URL to the rescue!  This site allows you to shrink that insanely long URL address down to a few characters or even create your own custom address.

For example, one of my favorite interactive web sites integrates the glass art of Dale Chihuly, however, the students would need to type in the following address to access the site: http://www.childrensmuseum.org/themuseum/fireworks_ofglass/games_k2.htm#

Many students could probably do it . . . eventually.  But my guess is that more than a few would get very frustrated along the way and need parent assistance to type some of the special characters. If the students couldn’t access the fun sites – then why put in the effort?

Instead of giving them the Chihuly glass website in long form, I created a Tiny URL.  
http://tinyurl.com/glassbeauty
This Tiny URL  goes directly to the Chihuly page I want the children to access.

Now .  . . where is that “Easy” button?

Tags: Easy, link, web address