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Creating a Classroom Web Site

© Melissa Johnston

Classroom web sites are one example of the many exciting uses of technology in education in the 21st century. But how do teachers and students benefit from a classroom web site? Some experts contend that technology is changing the face of education by moving from a passive learning environment to a more constructive environment where students are producers instead of consumers of knowledge. Class web sites are just one way teachers and students are changing the way they operate.

The class web site really becomes a new vehicle for communication between teachers, parents, and students. Education Statistics Quarterly reports that teachers used computers or the Internet primarily to create instructional materials, with 34 percent reported using computers mostly for administrative record keeping. Not surprising was that less than 10 percent of teachers are using computers or the Internet to access lesson plans or to access research and current trends and practices in their field. One of the ways teachers can move into an interactive use of technology in the classroom is to create a class web site.

Schooltime http://www.schooltime.com, Class webCreate http://familyeducation.com/webcreate/0,2... My School Online http://www.k12.learningnetwork.com/teach... and Create a Free Class Page http://www.electricschoolhouse.com are a few of the many free sites that can help provide teachers the information and tools needed to create their web site. When you start to create a classroom web site, there a few things to consider. First you'll want to consider the goals and objectives for the project. What is it that you intend to achieve by creating the site?

Here are some guidelines to follow when developing your own site:

1. Decide on the goal of the web site whether it is to provide parent communication, homework or assignments, class announcements, or an online learning environment, etc.

2. Develop a theme that is appropriate for your subject matter. You may also want to include school colors or mascots or age-appropriate themes.

3. Choose a method of hosting your web site. Some schools will allow individual teachers to submit their sites to the school network. Don't forget about the free web hosting services available to educators.

4. Select the type of web design software you will be using. Some free sites have a built-in web building programs available for use. If not, software programs such as Microsoft Front Page and Netscape Communicator's Composer program are two excellent choices for beginners.

5. Become familiar with and learn to use the web design software you have chosen. Many online references can guide you in the design and development aspects of creating an effective site.