Thing 5. Create and Maintain a Teacher Web Page

All teachers and LMS are busy—some say they are too busy to create and maintain a Web page for their classes. We might agree with that if setting up a Web page required in-depth knowledge of HTML (the language for coding Web sites) or brilliant design skills. However, it doesn't. Many districts offer Cozmos/Urban Planet or other services that are template-based services, to create simple Web pages. Check out what your district offers. There are other free sources, too, including Google Page Creator.

So why have a Web page? Here are a few reasons:

• Put learning in the hands of your students and make them feel proactive in their education. Encourage them to rely on your Web page for updates, assignments, and more.
• Parents can assess assignments away from school and (we hope) get involved in their student’s education.
• A Web page is open twenty-four hours a day, seven days per week. Posting documents on your website means students always have access to them. If home access is a problem, you can still send students to school computers and have them print copies of what is needed.
• Post reminders about special events, fundraisers, due dates, and other things.
• Give students easy access to Reliable Resources that reinforce what is taught in class.
• How about a FAQ page—frequently asked questions will receive consistent answers via FAQa.
• Increase collaboration with the Media Specialist—work with her to find more resources to link on your Web page to help students get started on a project.
• Post podcasts of your lectures, share you slides, & other presentations so students who missed a class can catch up.
• Post school policies of importance to your academics—your school’s Academic Integrity Policy or citation policy for example.

Setting up a one-stop shopping spot for students in your classes will help them with the 3Rs.

Core

1. Create a Web page that focuses on your teaching and classes. Teachers should work with their media specialist to identify reliable resources appropriate for your classes.
2. Think about working as a learning community to incorporate the 3Rs into the page.
3. Link your Web page to your blog, so we can all see it.
4. Keep your Web page up-to-date and relevant for your classes.

Resources

• Explore other teachers’ sites.
  

Make the Information Literacy Connection
Encouraging students to use your Web page as a source for reliable information sets an example for them as they do their research. Integrating technology into your teaching will enable you to be more efficient and spend more time on teaching the research and information literacy skills.

Other Ideas
How about student Web pages? There are services out there for free Web pages (check with the District for “approved” sites).

Blog Prompts

• Do you have a current Web page? How do you use it?
• How do your students react to the idea of a teacher Web page?
• Do you have recommendations for teachers/LMS who are going to set up a Web page?