Week #3

       This week in class we have been learning about making websites for both our ePortfolios and for a classroom. When I think back to high school, creating a website was fairly difficult, and I definitely struggled with where to start, and how to format different sections of my web page. With Weebly, a website for creating web pages, I feel it is quite simple and basic. I feel the pre-made templates and layouts definitely ease the stress of creating a website. I also feel that the templates make the page look fairly professional, as oppose to when I created them in high school. I am pleased so far with the overall look of my web page, but I still have a lot of work to do!

       For my tentative classroom website, I want to create a practical website that someday I could use and just have to tweak depending on the job I get. For my web page there are a few things I want to include such as: an "About Me" page, "parents" page, "resources" page (with embedded Symbaloo), "Calendar" page (showing holidays, events, due dates, homework, etc.), "classes" page, and a few other different pages.

      I believe there are many benefits of having a classroom website. Some parents are very involved in their child's school experience, and therefore love to know what their child is doing at school. Parents also like to know when different events are taking place, as well as when different homework, assignments, and tests are. I also believe that having a "parents" page with current topics on parenting, and different issues that are arising in schools would help keep them informed. I also feel a website is beneficial for the teacher because posting resources and extra help sites that are teacher approved, and readily at students' fingertips has the ability to maximize learning. I believe a web page also assists in the planning and organization of a course, as you want to show the parents and students the trajectory of the course, and different expectation that you have for students as a teacher. According to different school policies, I also think posting pictures of students and their work, when appropriate and necessary, keeps parents informed about their child's learning.

      However, I do feel there are only a few disadvantages of classroom websites. Due to the involvement of today's parent, I feel posting due dates for different assignments, homework, tests, etc., takes away student responsibility. Knowing different due dates prepares students for high school, or university, and for their job. It also teaches students time management and planning. If parents are constantly reminding, and forcing their son or daughter to do different assignment, I feel it does not teach them valuable life skills that are essential for success.

       In all, I think there are many advantages to having classroom websites. If used wisely, and in accordance with divisional policies, I feel websites can enhance students' learning. I believe these advantages and disadvantages can also change due to the location, grade, and parental group of the class.

      Here is a link to my website that I have just started if you would like to check it out: http://learningwithmissj.weebly.com/