Many teachers have a classroom website with
varying levels of success. How have you made your classroom website more useful
to students, families, and other educators? What gaps still remain?
This is the first year I've had a classroom website. The first way I tried to make my website useful is to provide a link from my building and district website. Having the link makes it convenient and easy for students and parents to find the website. I've also tried to include just the essential information on the home page. A side bar navigation panel makes it easy for all users to reach the appropriate page. On the Assignment Page, I post homework and attach any additional documents each day. This assists students that forget their assignments at school or were absent. I also have a page with helpful resources and links that can provide useful information for parents, students and even teachers. I have tried to include links that are truly beneficial for others. A Calendar Page tracks important dates and upcoming events for all viewers. Each page has a simple format to make finding and viewing information as convenient as possible. Finally, I use bullets and even text boxes when possible to break up information for the reader.
Regarding gaps.... I find it challenging when students and parents don't take the time to access the website. I'm sure it is difficult for middle school level for parents and students to keep up with multiple teachers and their class information. I still get emails with questions that could easily be answered through the classroom website. I always respond to the email with the answer but try to include the link to the website to encourage its use. Putting myself in their shoes, I think if all teachers had websites, it would be an automatic response to check there for answers.
Deb Daniel's Classroom Website
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