Embedded Files
Simple Websites
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
The Idea Lab will be retiring infographic and website resources at the end of the Summer 2026 semester.
There are important reasons for this decision:
A majority of the freemium software tools the Idea Lab has historically recommended for these assignments have changed their free account privileges in such a way as to make them unusable for assignment work.
As the studio and circulating equipment offerings at North, Lakeshore, and Downtown campuses continue to grow and expand, the Idea Lab is focusing its efforts on supporting assignments with ties to the mediums and tools associated with our spaces and offerings.
The Idea Lab team will be happy to discuss alternative assignment types that meet your course, program, or institutional learning outcomes or strategies for continuing with your existing assignments.
Does the Idea Lab provide website workshops?
Does the Idea Lab provide website workshops?
The Idea Lab does not provide workshops for websites. However, we do have online resources and supports for students and faculty working on simple website assignments (i.e. projects that do not require coding, e-commerce, or domain registration).
What’s included in your online resources?
What’s included in your online resources?
The Idea Lab maintain an online resource on creating simple websites, featuring:
Tips on planning a website and privacy
Universal design principles (UDL)
Google Sites tutorial (with videos and step-by-step instructions)
Links to free tools and image resources
Do I need to dedicate class time to teaching the tool?
Do I need to dedicate class time to teaching the tool?
Although the Idea Lab maintains online resources and tutorials that students can use independently, we find that website assignments have a greater success rate when students are given the opportunity to experiment with the tool in class. Having class time dedicated to guiding students using a tool helps build confidence and provides opportunities for students to ask questions. Students will leave the class having tried out the tool and its major functions.
How much time should I dedicate to a hands-on class?
How much time should I dedicate to a hands-on class?
The Idea Lab recommends two sessions:
90-minute in-class session approximately 2-3 weeks prior to the submission date.
10-15 minute recap of the privacy and sharing settings approximately one week prior to the submission date.
Can the Idea Lab provide a computer lab for me to cover this material with my students?
Can the Idea Lab provide a computer lab for me to cover this material with my students?
We are not able to provide a computer lab for these workshops. However, ITS lend laptops at North, Lakeshore, and Downtown campuses.
A flexible, collaborative learning space at Humber Polytechnic.
Do you recommend a specific website tool?
Do you recommend a specific website tool?
There are many options for website creation. The Idea Lab always recommends allowing students to select a tool that they are comfortable using. However, our resources and tutorials focus on using Google Sites, a free and simple tool for creating websites.
Google Sites' clear and simple user interface.
Why Google Sites?
Why Google Sites?
Free (not “freemium,” no paid versions, content, or upgrades)
Simple, easy to learn if students have experience with the Google Suite of tools (e.g. Docs, Slides, etc.)
Browser-based, no download or install necessary
Limited choices (students won’t be overwhelmed with options)
Built-in accessibility features (e.g. auto contrast on banner images, alt-text options, etc.)
Integrates well with Google Photos, Drive, Docs, etc.
Easy to collaborate
Public or Restricted viewer options
What supports do you offer students?
What supports do you offer students?
The Idea Lab offers student support via:
Email at idealab@humber.ca (monitored M-F, 8-5pm by multiple Idea Lab team members)
One-on-one or group assignment support appointments (online by default, but in-person is available on request).
PLEASE NOTE: The Idea Lab does not accommodate drop-in assignment support at our campus locations. Assignment support appointments must be booked via the appointment calendar.
Do you have Blackboard content I can use?
Do you have Blackboard content I can use?
Yes, the Idea Lab can provide you with relevant links and contact details for you to add to Blackboard. Please fill out the relevant details on this form and a Digital Fluency Librarian will contact you.
Should I make it a group assignment?
Should I make it a group assignment?
It is very simple to collaborate in Google Sites, so group assignments are an option. However, this may be more challenging if students choose to use alternative free/freemium tools.
Do you have a rubric for simple website assignments?
Do you have a rubric for simple website assignments?
Yes, we have examples of generic website rubrics, which you are free to use or modify.
Anything else I should know?
Anything else I should know?
If your students choose to keep their website private, you will need to create a Google account associated with your Humber email address.
Creating your own website in Google Sites that outlines the assignment will help you familiarize yourself with the tool, provide students with an exemplar, and demonstrate that you are not asking the students to do something that you cannot do yourself.
If you would like to have someone from the Idea Lab provide a workshop for you and any colleagues teaching other sections of the course, we are happy to help. We can run through the software and approaches to leading a student workshop on creating websites.
If you have questions, you can reach out to us at idealab@humber.ca and the Digital Fluency Librarian at your campus will get back to you.
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