Course Overview

In this self-paced, online course, you will become knowledgeable about the basics of Google Sites. Participants will learn how to access and create a new Google Site as well as how to add, edit, and customize content. Additionally, participants will learn how to publish their site for their chosen audience(s).

All FWISD educators are welcome to attend this beginner-level session.

Level: Beginner

FLEX ELECTIVE CREDIT: 1

CPE CREDIT: 1

Please note that there may be some practice steps included below. These are not required to receive credit for this course. Credit is granted to participants who score a minimum of 80% on the Course Assessment.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, you will be able to...

Explain the purpose and possible educational uses of Google Sites.
Create and design a Google Site using themes & templates.
Add & organize pages and subpages for navigation.
Add & edit multiple types of content on a Google Site.
Publish their Google Site for the appropriate audience.

Guiding Questions

What is a Google Site, and how can I use it?
How do I access Google Sites?
How do I create a Google Site?
What are my design options with Google Sites?
How do I add/organize pages on my Google Site?
How can I add and/or edit content on my Google Site?
What types of content can I add to my Google Site?
How do I publish my Google Site to my chosen audience?

What is a Google Site?

Read the brief excerpt to the right from Google's Learning Center.

Why should I use Google Sites?

For a brief introduction to the possible educational uses of Google Sites, watch the EDU in 90: Innovate with Google Sites video.

How do I access Google Sites?

Use the tutorial to be taken step-by-step through the appropriate process for accessing Google Sites in our FWISD domain.

How do I create a Google Site?

Read over the information & screenshots for instructions on how to create & name your Google Site.

Access & Create a Google Site using your FWISD Google account.

Create either a blank site or choose a template.
Name your site, and give your Home page a title.
Leave your site tab open so that you can easily go back to it later.

Once you have accessed Google Sites, you will be given the screen you see in the screenshot below. You have two options for creating your Google Site:

Option 1: You can choose to create a blank site. This means you will determine the layout and presentation of all of your content as well as your theme.
Option 2: You can choose one of the Google Sites templates from the template gallery. Templates will already have a chosen theme and a layout for your content on preset pages. With this option, you can still change the theme colors and font as well as rename your pages and/or subpages.

Once you have created your site, you will need to name the site and your Home Page. To name the site, simply click next to the icon at the top left of your screen where it says "Untitled Site". This will allow you to type the name you have chosen. To name the Home Page, simply click where it says "Your page title", and type in your chosen name for your Home Page.

If you choose a template for your site, you will click in the same places, but the text that appears there when the site initially opens will vary depending on what template you choose.

Need to share your site with another editor? Follow the steps in the GIF below to add an editor to your Google Site.

Navigating Theme Options

Once you have created a Google Site, you have the opportunity to choose from a small variety of themes. Even if you choose a template, the theme can be changed. This tutorial will guide you through the process of choosing a theme, color, and font for your Google site.

How do I add pages and subpages to my site?

Watch the Creating Pages in a Google Site and Creating Subpages in Sites (created by certified Google Trainers) to learn how to add these navigation items.

Themes & Organization

Choose the theme, color, and font for your site.
Think about how you want to organize your site.
Add at least 1-2 pages and/or subpages to your site.

To watch this video full screen, click on this link: How to Create a Page in a Google Site

When creating a Google Site, it's important to think about the purpose of your site and how you want to organize the content. The goal is to make the navigation of your site as easy as possible for your audience.

To watch this video full screen, click on this link: How to Create Subpages in a Google Site

To learn more, visit Google for Education's Teacher Center.

What kind of content can I add to my Google Site?

Read through the Designing Your Site and Site Menus sections of Google's Step-by-Step Guide for Google Sites to become familiar with the menus & types of content that can be added to a Google Site.

Watch the Creating Collapsible Text Boxes and Add & Edit Images in Carousels videos (created by certified Google Trainers) to learn about additional content customization options for your Google Site.

Adding Content to your Google Site

Add at least 3-4 pieces of content (any type) to your site.

google_sites_a_step_by_step_guide.pdf

For a more thorough step-by-step guide addressing how to add and edit content, visit Google's G Suite Learning Center: Getting Started with Google Sites.

To watch this video full screen, click on this link: Creating Collapsible Text Boxes.

To learn more, visit Google for Education's Teacher Center.

To watch this video full screen, click on this link: Add & Edit Images in Carousels.

To learn more, visit Google for Education's Teacher Center.

Previewing your Google Site

It's important to preview your site periodically as you are going through the process of adding/editing content and once you are finished. This tutorial will take you through the necessary steps to preview your Google Site.

Publishing your Google Site

Once you have completed your Google Site, it's time to publish! Consider the purpose of your site and who you want to have access to it. You can publish your site for all to see, only those within a specific domain, or only a small group of people. Complete the tutorial to experience, step-by-step, how to publish your site for your chosen audience.

Previewing & Publishing your Google Site

Take a moment to preview your site and make sure it is how you want it. Publish your site according to your chosen audience.

See all the steps for this tutorial in one stream by clicking HERE.

Reflect: Share your ideas! Click on the link to access a Padlet made for sharing your ideas. Please provide a brief explanation of how you plan to use Google Sites, and, if you're willing, share the Google Site you created during the course by posting the link.

At the bottom right corner of the Padlet, find the plus button. Click on it to add your first idea. Add each idea separately.

Share your Google Sites ideas!Please provide a brief explanation of how you plan to use Google Sites. Also, share the Google Site you created during the course by posting the link.

You must answer all questions correctly and receive a score of at least 80% to receive credit for this course.

👉You may retake the assessment as many times as you need in order to score 80%👈

NOTE:

You must be logged into your FWISD Google Account in order to take this assessment. In another browser window, navigate to www.fwisd.org/myfwisd and log in. If you have not used your FWISD Google Drive before, you must click on Google Drive within your MyFWISD portal in order to activate your FWISD Google connection. Once you have initiated that connection, you will be able to return to this page and click on the image above to take the assessment.

Before taking the assessment, can you answer these guiding questions?

What is a Google Site, and how can I use it?
How do I access Google Sites?
How do I create a Google Site?
What are my design options with Google Sites?
How do I add/organize pages on my Google Site?
How can I add and/or edit content on my Google Site?
What types of content can I add to my Google Site?
How do I publish my Google Site to my chosen audience?

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