INFO

All teachers and media specialists 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 or brilliant design skills.  However, it doesn't.  In most districts teachers and media specialists can use the template-based service provided by their schools to create simple web pages.

Why have a web page?  Here are some 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 access assigments away from school and (we hope) get involved in their student's education.
• A web page is open twenty-four hourse 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 an FAQ page so that students will receive consistent answers to Frequently Asked Questions
• Work with the media specialist to find more resources to link on your web page to help students get started on a project.
• Post podcasts of your lectures and share your presentation slides so students who missed a class can catch up.
• Post school policies of importance to your academics; for example, you school's Academic Integrity Policy.
• 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 research and information literacy skills.

DO

• Create a web page that focuses on your teaching and classes.  Teachers should work with the media specialist to identify reliable resources appropriate for their classes.

• Think about working as a learning community to incorporate the 3 R's into the page.

• Link your web page to your blog so we can all see it.

• Keep your web page up-to-date and relevant for your classes.

BLOG

• 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 and media specialists who are going to set up a web page?