Things You'll Need:
- Content
- Web host
- Syllabus, readings, assignments
- Links to academic resources
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Step 1
Finalize the content. A course Website is first and foremost about the content. It is your space on the Web, as an instructor, to give your students a link to materials that are used in class such as syllabus, readings and assignments. Make sure that you also include a bio to get the students to know you better. You may also provide additional links to other resources, such as where they can get copies of books needed for class or academic journals that explore that topic you are currently teaching.
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Step 2
Find a site that will host your Web page. Most universities give professors their own Web pages within the department's Website, but if your school doesn't, you can register your own domain. One of the advantages of owning your own domain is you're concentrating your information in one place, which makes it easier to manage. You are also not subject to changes in guidelines that universities have.
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Step 3
Design the Web page. A course Website should be clean and professional, and at the same time functional. If you don't know how to build sites, there are plenty of resources online such as Yahoo that offers templates you can use. Professors can also hire students or interns to help them build their course Websites.
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Step 4
Include downloadable documents. These are the documents that you want to provide your students, and when listing them, make sure that they are clearly marked for each class that you are teaching. You also have to be aware of older files you have, and make certain that all the files online are up to date.
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Step 5
Publish your site. Course Websites are essential resources for students, and you should make sure that they are aware that you have one by posting a link next to your name in your department's Website. You may also email students to let them know about the resource you have online because the last thing you want is to spend time creating a Website for your students and not have them utilize it for their benefit.
