Response #4 Creating a Classroom Website 2016
With my recent thoughts and nerves about integrating technology into my class, and as I mentioned in my latest post, I have wanted to create my own classroom website for a while now. A classroom website has always seemed to be a good idea, in theory, to me, but I was excited to see a webinar available on the topic. Through this webinar, I was able to gather some practical ideas on how to actually construct and use my website as a valuable tool.
In her webinar, Holland persuaded me to create my own classroom website simply by listing all of the benefits that come along with it. Students are becoming more and more tech savvy and many grow up with computers available to them 24/7. Because of this, having a website acts as an easier and more efficient manner of sending students URL's and links to resources that they can use for assessments, tools, homework, make-up assignments for absences, etc. Having a classroom website established at the beginning of the school year also lets the students know that I trust them to be responsible with technology, and reinforces the fact that I am accessible for questions and math content at all times, not just during school hours. For many students, having a reliable source to go to for help can make the difference in their efforts and success.
I think creating a classroom website will help a lot with my personal growth as a teacher in that I will be more able to regularly connect with parents. Holland gives some great tips on website design and the importance of keeping it simple and to the point. Parents want convenient and easy ways to help their children, and having access to a website with unit, homework, and classroom policy information would be valuable and save time. Another good tip from the webinar was to make sure to update the page regularly so that it becomes an interactive and useful tool, rather than a stagnant type of online syllabus. With Holland's design examples and tips for creating a useful webpage, I feel more confident in my ability to implement this teaching tool next year in my own classroom and I am looking forward to giving it a shot!
In her webinar, Holland persuaded me to create my own classroom website simply by listing all of the benefits that come along with it. Students are becoming more and more tech savvy and many grow up with computers available to them 24/7. Because of this, having a website acts as an easier and more efficient manner of sending students URL's and links to resources that they can use for assessments, tools, homework, make-up assignments for absences, etc. Having a classroom website established at the beginning of the school year also lets the students know that I trust them to be responsible with technology, and reinforces the fact that I am accessible for questions and math content at all times, not just during school hours. For many students, having a reliable source to go to for help can make the difference in their efforts and success.
I think creating a classroom website will help a lot with my personal growth as a teacher in that I will be more able to regularly connect with parents. Holland gives some great tips on website design and the importance of keeping it simple and to the point. Parents want convenient and easy ways to help their children, and having access to a website with unit, homework, and classroom policy information would be valuable and save time. Another good tip from the webinar was to make sure to update the page regularly so that it becomes an interactive and useful tool, rather than a stagnant type of online syllabus. With Holland's design examples and tips for creating a useful webpage, I feel more confident in my ability to implement this teaching tool next year in my own classroom and I am looking forward to giving it a shot!
that's so awesome! I have a classroom website and need to utilize it more. I use weebly, perhaps we can all continue to work together to make sure we are using them as best as we can?
ReplyDeleteI totally agree, updating it is SOOO important, that is one area I struggle with, I just don't get it updated which is something that could easily be used as regular communication with parents as well.
I totally agree! There are so many benefits to a class website. I wanted to do one for this year, but there has not been time. I will DEFINITELY do one next year.
ReplyDelete