Breakdown Those Classroom Walls

Welcome


Contact

Presented by
Dan McDowell
History/Photo Teacher
West Hills High School
http://ahistoryteacher.com
danmcdowell@gmail.com

1. Class Web Sites

Wordpress

Using this blog engine you can keep the most relevant and important information at the top of the page. You also have the power to create "static" pages outside of the blog that can hold class information you don't want "dated" - including a syllabus or assignment calendars.

Things to consider:
  • If you do go this option, you need to update it at least once or twice a month. Adding announcement, suggested readings, assignments, etc. to the blog section.
  • There are a number of great themes that allow you to have a professional or artistic look.
  • If you want students to make comments, each of them has to have an account.
Examples:
Where to Get One

WebSite Lite

I would be remiss if I did not also mention our own in-house web site application.  For teachers looking for a basic web presence it is an excellent choice. Additionally some major upgrades now allow teachers to have individual blogs for each prep and will connect to Google Calendar.

Google Sites

One of the most flexible tools available for a teacher web site. Use it to author pages simply and easily, allow collaboration, upload files, and more.

Some characteristics include:
  • You can create different types of pages, including:
    • A web page - this page is an example of a web page
    • A file cabinet - a page where you can upload and share files
    • A list page - use a pre-designed template or create your own.  Track action items, to do lists, etc.
    • An announcements page - this blog-like feature really adds something I've always felt was missing on a wiki
  • You can easily insert Google Calendar (see the next section for more on Calendar)
  • Google Docs are readily embedded
  • Ability to limit who sees and who edits the site
Things to consider:
  • Able to make a lot of pages.
  • Potential to have students add content, collaborate, etc.
  • Continues to add features, including widgets
Examples
Where to Get One