How to Create a Class Website

A well-developed class website can save teachers a lot of time in the long run, improving both student-teacher and parent-teacher communication while providing a repository of all classroom documents for future use. Although some extra time during the school year is required, once the site is up it needs just minor adjustments each new year.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Program to create website

1. Decide which type of software you will use to create a class website. Microsoft has many applications that can be used to create websites, such as Publisher, Word and Expression Web. Adobe makes GoLive. Some web hosting sites also have simple editing tools you can use instead of a formal program.

2. Find a place to host your class website. Your Internet provider often provides about 5 Meg of space for a personal website for free, and many other free website hosting companies are on the Internet.

3. Consider using a template for your first attempt at website design. It will contain basic sections where you just fill in your specific class information. Most templates also come with a selection of color and graphics already in place so you can concentrate on content instead of design.

4. Add content to your website. You need to have announcement sections for both parents and students, a syllabus or class rules area, homework assignments or a calendar, and maybe a links section for learning more about in-class topics and playing educational games.

5. Decorate your website with graphics, clip art, background, cool fonts and other decorative items. It's best to find a theme you like, such as ducks or fire hydrants, and make your design elements all stick with your theme. If you think that is too cutesy, go for an abstract look. Remember to keep it simple since too much color and graphics make a site look busy and detract from its usability.

6. Upload your site to your web host provider. Most sites have a built-in program to help you load your pages or they allow you to load from your web editing software. You may need to find a program that helps transfer files through FTP, although this is usually for more advanced users and professionals.

7. Tell students and parents about your site. Keep it updated on a regular basis with new announcements and homework assignments. Students and parents will only use it if you make it an indispensable communication tool.

Tips & Warnings

• Several sites are targeted at teachers and host sites for free or at low rates (see Resources below).

Who Can Help:

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Resources

• Nebraska Educational Service Center's list of links for creating teacher web pages.
• Low rate site for teachers
• Hosts for teachers
• Designed for teachers and classes