Once you get past the basics of having your assignments posted online, and have ways for students to submit work to you, you may wish to extend the types of content and resources which you post for students. This page is intended to jog your thinking and give you some ideas.

Consider

• providing organized access to course information and materials

• providing multimedia materials (audio, video, photos, images, etc.)

• enabling learning opportunities outside of regular class time

• extending instructional resources from the school environment to the home environment

• differentiating instruction by providing resources for multiple learning styles and abilities

• increasing student & parent involvement, engagement, and communication

Types of Content to Consider Including

Instructional Materials

• class notes or content presented in class

• slide shows (PowerPoints, Google slides, PearDeck, Prezi, FlipGrid, etc.)

• instructional videos and screencasts

• electronic copies of paper documents handed out in class

• study guides, test prep, review sheets

• tutorials, help sheets

• assessment rubrics

• recurring content (e.g. spelling lists, word lists, math problem of the week, historical facts, etc.)

• examples of model student work or model projects

• concept maps, outlines, scaffolds

• audio messages such as a fireside radio chat, a welcome message, weekly address, etc.

• pictures, images, photos, maps

Website Links or Embedded Content

• links to sites that extend & enrich course content

• links to images, audio, video, multimedia content

• links to online resources & library resources

• links to news media articles

• links to local community resources (libraries, museums, etc)

• links to course textbook sites

Online Lessons

• basic skills practice sites (e.g. online flashcards, quizzes, etc)

• virtual field trips (museums, etc)

• collaborative projects with students or experts elsewhere

• online scavenger hunts, webquests

• online assessments

Communication Tools

• discussion boards

• student journals

• Email Pen-Pals

• teacher and student blogs

• email addresses contact info

• online forms for submitting information

• online polls and surveys

• chat room for specific discussions or test prep

Collaboration Tools

• wikis

• social networking tools (twitter, instagram, etc.)

• social bookmarking

Events & Announcements

• calendar of events

• reminders of upcoming events, important announcements, changes to previously scheduled items, what's new, etc.

• field trip information, packing lists, permission slips, etc.

• student of the week, author/scientist/scholar etc. of the week

Assignments

• homework assignments

• project assignments and instructions with evaluation rubrics and due dates

• exam, test, and quiz dates (in calendar format)

General Class Information

• teacher name(s), contact info, credentials, courses/grades/subjects taught

• professional bio (our classroom web sites are an excellent opportunity to remind our communities that we are well-educated, experienced, and dedicated professionals who take our jobs seriously)

• class rules and expectations

• guidelines, tips, hints for success

• course description or syllabus

• daily schedule, office hours

• grading policies

• homework and other assignment policies

• list of books or other print materials used for the class

• "tour our classroom" virtual tour

• supply list of items students should possess

Student Work

• provide an authentic audience for student work and therefore encourage excellence

• allow commenting/feedback for student work

Parent and Student FAQs (frequently asked questions):

• When are you available outside of class?

• How do you assess student work?

• How can I help my child do better in your class?

• How can I help my child, if I don't understand?

• What is your teaching style/pedagogy/philosophy?

• What resources (books, software, etc) would you suggest?

• Can I volunteer or help you in some way?

Miscellaneous Info

• wish list or dream page (e.g. if we had "x" we could do "y")

• a "wall of fame" thanking volunteers or guests

• photos of class projects, trips, students at work, etc.

• resources for a substitute teacher: class list, seating chart, name tags, daily schedule, expected code of behavior, classroom rules, activities, directions for dismissal, a letter to the class for the students to read saying that you miss them and expect a great report from the sub when you return, a book of stories or poems to read from.