Embedded Files
The modern world is changing therefore learning is changing. Our goal is to engage students in higher-level thinking and assist learners in developing those 21st-century skills. One way to do that is to create alternative assessments such as websites and ePortfolios in your courses.
Student Websites
Student Websites
Instead of assigning another paper for students to write, instructors can choose to assign a different type of assignment; a website! Students can include the same content in a website as they would in a paper but include images, videos, charts, and personal creativity.
When building a website or a webpage, students need to be able to pull the most important information and display it properly and chronologically.
Students can be creative when building a website! This method of assessment may provide students with deeper learning, higher critical thinking, and increased engagement when completing their assignments.
Note: Websites do not have to be large assignments. Instructors can start small and ask that students create a one-page website to start! See below for examples.
How to Integrate Website Assignments
How to Integrate Website Assignments
Individual Student Assignments
Instead of assigning a paper for students to write, instructors can assign students to create a website including all of the same components they would assign in a paper. The website can include the main points of the assignment as well as videos, images, or charts. The website does not have to be large, but may only be one or two pages in the website.
Group Collaboration Projects
Google Sites is collaborative! This means students can work together on the same Google Site. One student in the group can create a new Google Site and then use the share icon in the toolbar to share with group members. Students can submit the published link to their Google Site or can add the teacher as a collaborator to the site.
Course or Academic Program ePortfolios (Capstone)
Students can build a website as an ePortfolio where they upload artifacts and assessments throughout a course or various courses in an academic program. For example, in the Master of Science in Applied Leadership course, students build an ePortfolio and upload numerous assessments into their website over the course of six courses. When students finish the program, they will then have a portfolio to showcase their knowledge base for future employers.
Student ePortfolios
Student ePortfolios
What is an ePortfolio?
An academic ePortfolio is a digital portfolio created by students of their course-related work to document and showcase their learning experiences in one course or throughout an academic program.
An ePortfolio typically engages students in a cycle of collecting or creating, reflecting, selecting and curating, and presenting and sharing.
Students can use Google Sites as their platform for building their ePortfolio.
Fun Fact: Our MSAL program requires students to build an ePortfolio to showcase various assignments created throughout the program.
What's included?
Essays
Videos
Presentations
Photographs
Artwork
Evaluations
Lesson plans
Feedback
Surveys
Reflections
& more...
Best Practices for Instructors
Best Practices for Instructors
Explain the benefits & purpose of the assignment to students
Establish clear expectations & directions
Provide a VERY clear and specific rubric
Provide examples
Scaffold student learning (start small)
Make it social: Engage in peer feedback
Provide Resources
There are resources below! Feel free to put these resources in your assignment directions😄
Resources
Resources
FAQs
FAQs
Do students have to use Google Sites when building a website?
Do students have to use Google Sites when building a website?
It is up to the instructor to require students to use Google Sites or allow them to use another website platform. However, Campbell University students already have a Google account since their email is Google-affiliated. Students have access to the Google Suite, including Google Sites. Additionally, many of the resources listed above are targeted to Google Sites to provide support to students in creating a Google Site. Lastly, Google Sites is a FREE site for everyone to use!
Other examples of website-building tools include Wix, Weebly, and Squarespace.
Do students have access to Google Sites or do they need to use their personal Google account?
Do students have access to Google Sites or do they need to use their personal Google account?
As Campbell University students, their student email (name@email.campbell.edu) is Google-affiliated and allows them to access Google Suite, including Google Sites.
How do students submit a website as an assessment in Blackboard?
How do students submit a website as an assessment in Blackboard?
The creators of the website must publish the website and then receive a viewable share link. Students can then submit the link in the submission box or on a document to submit. Be sure to include instructions on how you want students to submit the link to you in your assignment directions.
How do I grade a website assignment?
How do I grade a website assignment?
It is important to have a very clear and specific rubric that lays out each component and learning objectives that are required in the assignment. Encourage students to review the rubric when building their website as it will be used when grading.
How do students cite their sources on their website?
How do students cite their sources on their website?
Students can still cite their sources with in-text citations as they would in a paper. They can include their citation references at the bottom of a webpage or on their own page within the website. Be sure to encourage proper citing methods.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse