Classroom Web Site Essentials
At this point in your career, what do you think should be included in a classroom web site?
Please leave your first name on these postings, so that I can keep track of who said what. Thanks 
On the Trails
Teach People HOW to Learn, Not WHAT to Learn
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I am an Educational Computing Strategist (ECS). I figure out ways to IMPROVE education with technology.
I currently work as an Adjunct Professor in the Elementary Education and Reading Department at Buffalo State College and as an ECS for a K- 12 school district near Buffalo, NY.
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February 4th, 2006 at 12:24 pm
I notice a lot of class blogs on Blogger. It’s really a very BAD idea to place a site that children are invited, perhaps required, to visit on a site like this where the “Next Blog” button may open up a page of pornography. Class websites should be hosted in places that can be guaranteed “G” rating.
February 4th, 2006 at 12:29 pm
The last comment was very insightful. Blogger does not allow such sites, as per their terms of service, but one never knows.
My Teacher Pages is working on a protected blogging solution.
February 5th, 2006 at 9:00 am
I believe that a class website should include numerous items. Some of these items include: pictures, photos, upcoming events, assignment clarification, links to other educational websites, assignments for children that were absent, and school news. I feel that a website is extremely essential to any classroom.
February 5th, 2006 at 11:39 am
I think a class web site is the perfect platform for outside as well as inside classroom communication. Teachers can post contact information, assignments, and links to educational sites deemed appropriate by the teacher. It should be easy and clear for students to use on their own. Being that we are in the information age and computers are just about part of all of our lives, I am suprised that this is not a requirment for all classrooms.
February 5th, 2006 at 5:07 pm
I think that a classroom website could be very helpful to the students. Some things that would be good to include on a classroom website would be a schedule of assignments, teacher contact information, other links to games or fun activities that will increase their learning experience, give each child a username and a place to ask questions/discuss certain topics being covered in class etc. Having a classroom website gives students another resource and also another way in which to learn new material.
February 5th, 2006 at 5:07 pm
I think that a classroom website could be very helpful to the students. Some things that would be good to include on a classroom website would be a schedule of assignments, teacher contact information, other links to games or fun activities that will increase their learning experience, give each child a username and a place to ask questions/discuss certain topics being covered in class etc. Having a classroom website gives students another resource and also another way in which to learn new material.
February 5th, 2006 at 5:08 pm
I feel that having a class website is a great idea. This seems like it would get the parents invloved, and give them an idea of what is going on in their child’s classroom. A class room web site includes many things such as information about the class, website links, homeowrk assignments, what’s being learned each week and many other things.
February 6th, 2006 at 5:40 am
Stacy said…
I think a classroom website should include pictures, information about the class, and homework for that day so that students can check it anytime and never have an excuse for not knowing what the homework was. It should also include and information that the students and teacher can access easily.
February 6th, 2006 at 11:57 am
Leah says: I think that a classroom website in an excellent idea for classrooms of all ages. I think that they should include an individual space for each subject area. This way the students or parents can click on it to be reminded as to what is going on in class that day or week. I also think a homework section is needed. This space is necessary so that the students and again parents can make sure they are on top of their academic requirements. I also think that it is very important for there to be a place where the parents can get in contact with the teacher, so the teachers e-mail address posted would be fine. Lastly a bulletin of upcoming events would be a sufficient way to complete a classroom website. This way the students, parents, teachers and others can have an idea as to what is going in the school/ classroom that week.
February 6th, 2006 at 3:16 pm
I feel class websites should be used to the advantage of students and the teacher. Having a class allows students to view their work and have something to show and be proud of. It’s important that if a website is made, that it is frequently updated.
February 8th, 2006 at 6:27 am
I think a classroom web site should include a few different things. It should include contact information for the teacher and other school administrators(principal, vice principal). It should also include an overview of the content for the week and the homework for the week. This would help those forgetful students, students that may be sick and the parents that want to see what their children are doing or supposed to be doing.
February 11th, 2006 at 2:02 pm
I think having a classroom web site will be very helpful for teachers, students, and parents. There should be lots of pictures and colors to make it appealing to the viewers. The information should be updated on a regular basis. The information could contain material that was taught,students work,homeworkwork assignments, up coming events,and any other important information. I believe that parents become more involved in their children’s life by having this web site. The web site can help parents know what their children are learning and can assit their children better having material to refer to. The parents also have the opportunity to view assignments that are assigned for homework. Often times, students will forget their homework and state to their parents they don’t have any. The parents now can double check by visiting the web site.Having a classroom web site is a great tool for communication for everyone.
February 11th, 2006 at 2:03 pm
I feel when it comes to having a classroom web site the first and foremost objective should be making it user friendly. In many cases, elaborate web sites are hard to navigate because there are so many other aspects to the web site.
In regards to what to include in a classroom web site, contact information is important especially if parents will be interacting with the website as well. An email address or other contact information would be helpful to parents. A classroom calendar is something parents will appreciate too. This will be convenient when the parents know there is a field trip or other events coming up. For parents you can also include articles to read, your ideas on how to help with homework, and how they can become more actively involved in their child�s education.
Other elements that may be useful are newsletters, homework assignments, and materials the students will need.
February 11th, 2006 at 4:07 pm
I think that a classroom website should include a variety of different educational tools. I think that the most important aspect of the page should be a homework posting. That way both students and parents can easily access assignments and project information. Also included on the classroom web page should be pictures of students and their achievments. A few other things that I would include are classroom news, upcoming events, and teacher contact information.
February 12th, 2006 at 6:58 am
First and foremost I feel that a class website should be user friendly, so that students as well as their parents are able to navigate their way through it. I think that a class website can be a very helpful tool if done properly and constantly updated. It can include a variety of different aspects. For example, homework assignments, information about the class, or teacher, as well as news, photos, assessment tools, and perhaps links to different educational websites containing games or activities that the students can do at home.
February 12th, 2006 at 6:58 am
I think that classroom websites are very important for teachers, students and the parents. There are many things that are important to include in a classroom website. Teachers should include information that allows parents to view and understand what their children are learning in the classroom. It is also is helpful for the students because they have a chance to look back and reflect on what they learned. I also beleive that the websites should be interactive as well as child friendly. For example, the website should be appealing to the students that will allow them to enjoy learning. The website should also include classroom assignments. It would be helpful for the students to keep track of what they are required to complete and for the parents to see what their children are accepted to do. Introducing websites to students are a great way for them to get familiar with different ways of communicating.
February 12th, 2006 at 2:11 pm
I think a classroom website should include information about the classroom and its happenings, the school and its event, and also information about the teacher and how they can be contacted. I think its important to post assignments and test dates so parents and students can access that information. I also think that photos are a great thing to add because it may initially bring parents and students to the website to look at those. Also an email center is a good idea so students and parents and the teacher can all remain in contact with each other.
February 13th, 2006 at 6:13 am
A classroom website should consist of various things. A complete overview of the class,a schedule, assignments with due dates, a page for discussion, and explanations of each assignment. The website should allow for the student and the teacher to see the progress of the class and of their own work. It should have updates and information that will help the students and teacher achieve their set goals.
February 13th, 2006 at 6:13 am
On a website formed for a modern classroom, I feel there are certain essential items all should contain. Daily homework assignments, important upcoming dates (due dates, school events, afterschool activities etc), teacher contact information, student and parent contact information, and a message or blog posting in order for students to ask each other questions about assingments and just to keep in touch. It is important for the teacher, students, and parents to have a modern and convient way to keep in touch at all times of the day.
February 13th, 2006 at 6:13 am
A class website should contain many different elements which will help the students understand and comprehend what is expected of them. In the website a teacher should include a schedule for assignments, notes on lessons, important news, and information on what the lesson plan for that day or week. Another important aspects on a class website is to allow students to speak with one another with any questions or problems they may be having. Websites or other resources could also make an impact on a class website.
February 13th, 2006 at 12:46 pm
Classroom wesites should include homework, important dates and reminders. Students should be able to easily access, and maneuver the website. The website should offer some contact with the teacher outside class incase a student is confused. It may be beneficial to post work of students that have shown improvement, or have done an excellent job, to give students incentive to do well.
February 13th, 2006 at 12:46 pm
Classroom wesites should include homework, important dates and reminders. Students should be able to easily access, and maneuver the website. The website should offer some contact with the teacher outside class incase a student is confused. It may be beneficial to post work of students that have shown improvement, or have done an excellent job, to give students incentive to do well.
February 14th, 2006 at 4:55 am
I think that a class web site should include the students work and achievements. The site should include informtion for student assignments. The site should be easily assessible for their students and their parents.
September 26th, 2007 at 2:37 pm
I feel this website should be organized, full of information but information that doesn’t have to be searched for it should be found easily. The website should contain contact information for me and the school, upcoming events, educational websites, school news, school holidays, and some current events. There should be lists of books we read as well as poems and short stories and pictures of the school and work the students have completed. The students birthdays can be posted as well as classroom rules, homework assignments, a discussion board and practice tests.