< xml="true" ns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" prefix="o" namespace="">Pre-Lesson Preparation

Day 1 - Videoconference

·         Address videoconference protocol. Review with students what is expected of them during the videoconference.

·         Review note-taking strategies.

·         Videoconference with the park ranger from Columbia State Historic Park and have students take notes.

·         Work with students to summarize and compile information from the videoconference. Make the summary available as a reference document for student use during website creation. Share the summary with the partner class via email or webpage.

·      (Plan B: If the videoconference does not work, read and discuss with the class the content requested from the park ranger prior to the videoconference.)

Day 2 - Introduce Website

·         Explain website project in detail.

·         Show examples of real town web pages, such as the following: www.herndon-va.gov/, www.shiocton.org/, www.hurricanewv.com/index2.asp. Discuss and list common features. 

·         Brainstorm topics to include in the website. Include partner class in brainstorming session via an instant messaging program. Guide students to think of any topics that should be included but have not been mentioned. Good topics to include are history of the town, getting to the town, jobs, businesses, location, housing, town government, buildings, etc.

·         Make final decisions regarding what content will be created by each class.

·         Assign web page topics to individual groups. Ideally, groups should be divided based on content interest. A good way to do this would be to request each student’s top 3 preferences and devise groups based on those requests.

·         (Plan B: If the Internet is not available, have printed copies of pages from the sample sites available, particularly the home pages. The class can look at these and still get an idea of the topics typically included in a town’s website.) 

Day 3 - Work Session: Research

·         Model searching for information on the Internet.

·         Model note-taking and paraphrasing of nonfiction text.

·         Model adding voice and a funny tone to the writing using the "You Wouldn't Want to be a..." books as mentor text.

·         Give students time to research/create content. Some students in the group could focus on creating artwork.

·         Keep instant messaging window open so communication can occur with the partner class as necessary, i.e. questions, ideas, etc.

·         (Plan B: If the Internet is not available, simply discuss Internet search strategies. Ask students what search phrases they might use to find information on certain topics. Students can use texts for research. Communication with partner class can either occur via phone or be omitted.)

Day 4 - Work Session: Research

·         Students should continue to research their topics and write content to include in their web pages.

·         Keep instant messaging window open so communication can occur with the partner class as necessary, i.e. questions, ideas, etc.

·         (Plan B: If the Internet is not available, students can use texts for research. Communication with partner class can either occur via phone or be omitted.)

Day 5 - Work Session: Create web pages

·         Model how to sign into Google Page Creator.

·         Model how to add text and formatting to a web page.

·         Allow time for students to add text to their web pages.

·         Keep instant messaging window open so communication can occur with the partner class as necessary, i.e. questions, ideas, etc.

·         (Plan B: If the Internet is not available, students should continue to revise/edit their content in a word processing program or on paper. Communication with partner class can either occur via phone or be omitted.)

Day 6 - Work Session: Create web pages

·         Model how to add artwork or images to a web page in Google Page Creator.

·         Allow time for students to work on adding text and/or images to the web page.

·         Keep instant messaging window open so communication can occur with the partner class as necessary, i.e. questions, ideas, etc.

·         (Plan B: If the Internet is not available, students should continue to revise/edit their content in a word processing program or on paper. Communication with partner class can either occur via phone or be omitted.)

Day 7 – Finalize web pages

·         Link the students' web pages to the home page. (Home page can be teacher-created.)

·         Work with partner class to get their pages linked as well.

·         Have each group present its page. Review the pages created by the partner class.

·         (Plan B: If the Internet is not available, students can present their content without the website. Communication with partner class can either occur via phone or be omitted.)

Post Lesson Wrap-Up

·         Email feedback to partner class about the pages they created.

·         Work together to write and send a thank you email to partner class.

·         (Plan B: If the Internet is not available, draft the feedback and thank you letter and send once the Internet becomes available.)