Creating
a School Web Site
Project URL: http://teachersnetwork.org/teachnet-lab/fklane/dpietraru/web1.htm
How
it works:
This program provides an overview of what educators and students
need to know to create a school web site. Educational web pages have to
be carefully planned and executed in order to have an effect on student
achievement. Lessons and activities contained here focus on active
student participation in creating dynamic, real, and exciting web pages. Every activity has a direct educational value. For instance, the
creation of a web-based discussion forum is a writer's workshop where
students review their written work and reflect upon further writings.
The construction of a useful web page is a powerful element in involving
students in the life of the school and community. Students feel at home
when asked to freely and meaningfully participate in such an enterprise.
A web site creates a virtual school with global ramifications, where
students make a significant contribution.
Standards
addressed:
The following standards are addressed in this unit: Listening,
speaking, reading, and writing using language for information and
understanding; using language for social interaction; accessing the
Internet to find information relevant to a specific task; and developing
critical thinking using technology and the Internet.
Materials
used:
A
school
computer lab with Internet access is needed along with Microsoft
FrontPage and/or Netscape Composer. A dedicated server to host the web
site is recommended to implement most of the features described here. If
this is not possible, a free server (AOL, Tripod, Geocities, etc) can be
utilized.
The
students:
The students who participated in this program were ESL transitional
students in grades 10-12, but it can be adapted for any school
population in either middle or high school.
Overall value:
Creating a School Web Site is extremely useful in motivating
students to participate, learn, read, and write about the life of their
school and community. A school web site integrates different media and
has an extraordinary exposure. Students and teachers will feel motivated
to work at their best, knowing that their work will be showcased on the
Internet.
Tips:
Before starting, obtain minimum financial and logistical support
from the school administration. The creation of a school web site is a
very visible activity. Have the principal on your side before you start
anything!
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About the teacher:
Dinu Pietraru has been teaching English and ESL for 13 years. He has
obtained grants for using technology in the classroom from the
Center for English Learning and Achievement, the National
Foundation for the Improvement of Education, and is the recipient of a
New York State Learning
Technology Grant. Presently the ESL Coordinator at his high school,
Franklin K. Lane, he
is a National Board for Professional Teaching Standards candidate.
E-mail: dinu@teachersnetwork.org
Subject areas:
English
Journalism
Grade levels: 9-12
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