KATE

Creating Instructional WebPages

Intro | Task | Process and Resources | Evaluation and Reflection | Standards

Introduction

It sounded like a good idea when I agreed to attend the workshop.  The district is encouraging teachers to have their own web site.  The administrators are expecting it.  But, the more you consider the task, the more concerned you become.  What should be on the page?  Will the students and parents like it? Will they use it? Will administrators approve of your choices? How much time will it take. 

This WebQuest will help answer these questions and help you plan activities and resources for your web pages.

Task

Your group will examine several classroom web sites.  Your objective, as you review the sites, will be to identify the characteristics of classroom web sites you consider appropriate for your classroom page.  You will review the composition of the page and consider issues of design, FERPA, etc.  Your group will work together to evaluate the pages using a rubric and report back to the large group your findings.

Process and Resources

In each group (3 teachers), assign a facilitator, a researcher (computer operator), and a recorder.  The facilitator is responsible for keeping your group on task, watching the time, etc. The researcher operates the computer as the group reviews web resources and the recorder captures the groups responses and will take the lead when the group presents findings to the large group. Group assignments should rotate for each Step.

Step 1

Look at some education web sites.  Review at least four sites. Some sites are listed below.  However, if group members have favorite sites, use those as well.

Consider the following questions:

• Who is the intended audience?
• What is the purpose of the site?
• What characteristics of the site do you think may make it effective?
• What components would you consider using in your page?
• Would you link to the site?
• What characteristics of the site do you think may detract from its effectiveness? 
• What are some unique considerations educators need to consider when publishing to the web?

America's Library

American Memory

Ask Jeeves for  Kids

Discovery Kids

High Plains Regional Technology in Education Consortium

Kentucky Academy of Technology Education

Kentucky Department of Education

Kathy Schrock's Guide for Educators

Kids Fun Online

Star Child

Teach-nology

The Yuckiest Site on the Internet

White House for Kids

Xpeditions

Step 2

Look at some classroom web pages for your grade level.  Review each of the sites listed for your grade level.

Classroom Web Page List

Consider the following questions:

• Who is the intended audience?
• What is the purpose of the site?
• What characteristics of the site do you think may make it effective?
• What components would you consider using in your page?
• What characteristics of the site do you think may detract from its effectiveness? 
• Are there any issues that might arise because of content on the page?

Review the page carefully to help you plan your web pages.  Complete a rubric scoring the pages.  Think about why you scored the pages the way you did. 

Step 3

Prepare a list of components that your group feels should be included in a classroom web page.

Evaluation and Reflection

Do you have a better understanding of the characteristics of an effective web site?

Are you better able to identify web sites that may become links on your site?

Has your vision for your web site changed?

Did you or your group encounter any critical issues you hadn't considered before?

The purpose of this activity is to give you an opportunity to conduct a review of some  selected web pages in order to help you develop a picture in your mind of what you want your page to do and how you want it to look before you start to develop your own page.  After developing your page, you will be asked to evaluate your page using one of the rubrics you used to evaluate the classroom web pages. In addition, you may want to consider as you plan your site some additional questions?

What is your main purpose for creating a web site?

How often do you plan to update your site?

How will you motivate your audience to visit the site regularly? 

Standards

Kentucky Teacher Technology Standard

• Indicator 3: Demonstrates knowledge of the use of technology in business, industry and society.

• Indicator 6: Uses the computer to do word processing, create databases and spreadsheets, access electronic mail and the Internet, make presentations, and use other emerging technologies to enhance professional productivity and support instruction. 

• Indicator 7: Uses computers and other technologies such as interactive instruction, audio/video conferencing; and other distance learning applications to enhance professional productivity and support instruction.  

• Indicator 9: Designs lessons that use technology to address diverse students needs and learning styles.

• Indicator 10: Practices equitable and legal use of computers and technology in professional activities.  

• Indicator 11: Facilitates the lifelong learning of self and others through the use of technology.  

• Indicator 12: Explores uses, and evaluates technology resources: software, applications, and related documentation.

• Indicator 13: Applies research-based instructional practices that use computers and other technology.

• Indicator 14:  Uses computers and other technology for individual, small group, and large group learning activities.

• Indicator 15: Uses technology to support multiple assessments of student learning.

ISTE NETS for Teachers

1. Technology Operations and Concepts.
   Teachers demonstrate a sound understanding of technology operations and concepts.
2. Planning and Designing Learning Environments and Experiences.
   Teachers plan and design effective learning environments and experiences supported by technology.
3. Teaching, Learning, and the Curriculum.
   Teachers implement curriculum plans, that include methods and strategies for applying technology to maximize student learning.
4. Assessment and Evaluation.
   Teachers apply technology to facilitate a variety of effective assessment and evaluation strategies.
5. Productivity and Professional Practice.
   Teachers use technology to enhance their productivity and professional practice.
6. Social, Ethical, Legal, and Human Issues.
   Teachers understand the social, ethical, legal, and human issues surrounding the use of technology in PK-12 schools and apply those principles in practice.

ISTE NETS for Students

• Basic Operations and concepts

  Students demonstrate a sound understanding of the nature and operation of technology systems.

  Students are proficient in the use of technology.

• Social, ethical, and human issues 

  Students develop positive attitudes toward technology uses that support lifelong learning, collaboration, personal pursuits, and productivity.

•  Technology productivity tools 

  Students use technology tools to enhance learning, increase productivity, and promote creativity.

• Technology communications tools 

  Students use a variety of media and formats to communicate information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences.

•  Technology research tools 

  Students use technology to locate, evaluate, and collect information from a variety of sources.

  Students evaluate and select new information resources and technological innovations based on the appropriateness for specific tasks.

• Technology problem-solving and decision-making tools 

  Students use technology resources for solving problems and making informed decisions.

  Students employ technology in the development of strategies for solving problems in the real world.

Credits

Creating Effective Teacher Web Pages (A Classroom Activity by Dr. Alice West)