About+Classroom+Websites


 * The More You Know... About Classroom Websites!**

There are several different free websites available for classroom use. Google Sites and Weebly are user-friendly websites for beginning website creators. I recommend Weebly because it has additional features specifically designed for classroom educators.

**How to get started:** Create a user name and password at Weebly for Education

**Once you have an account:** Become familiar with the various features of the Weebly website editor:

**Design & Layout** The "Design" tab will allow you to customize your website. There are various templates available for you to select. You can mark a template as "favorite" as you review the different designs by clicking the orange star in the corner of the icon.

For quick and easy browsing, Weebly allows you to browse the designs by "Theme" to meet your classroom website needs.

** Adding Elements to Your Webpage ** You will use the "Elements" tab to add the different elements needed in your webpage, such as text, pictures, or video. Within "Elements" the "Basic" tab will provide you will the bare essentials for creating a webpage.

To add any of these elements onto your webpage, simplify drag and drop the icon onto your webpage space. For instance, if you want to write a welcome message on your webpage, you would drag down the "Paragraph with Title" and begin editing the page.

** Useful icons: ** **Paragraph with Title:** Use this icon if you want to have both a title and a text. **Custom HTML:** This icon can be used when embedding data from other web sources.
 * Paragraph: ** There will be times when you only need to type a paragraph, but don't need a title. Use this icon.
 * Two Column Layout: ** Often your website will look clean and professional if you order information to fit the entire page. The two column layout is a helpful guide.

**Adding Pages to Your Webpage** As your webpage grows, you will want to add additional pages. First, go to the "Pages" tab. From there, click "Add Page" in the upper left corner. You will be given the options of changing the "Page Name." Once finished, be sure to //Save Settings//.

The "Assignment Form" tab allows you to create a "drop-box" where students can turn in various assignments. When you add the assignment tab to your webpage, you will be given options for what e-mail the assignment will be sent to.
 * Features for Educators **

The "Online Poll" and "Contact Form" found under "More" in the "Elements" tab, allow you create polls and surveys with students. Similar to the assignment tab, you can edit the types of questions you ask students, as well as the type of contact information you want provided.

** Publishing Your Website ** Publishing your website makes it ready and viewable for your students. After the page is saved, there will be a //link at the top// of a pop-up box that takes you to your website. Make sure to share your website!

**Your Turn!**

Now that you have spent some time getting to know Weebly and the fundamentals of the editor, try to do the following:
 * 1) Add a Heading Text
 * 2) Add at least two "paragraphs"- explain to students and parents the purpose of your website!
 * 3) At least one graphic- position to the left or right side of the paragraphs (you can do this with two column layout)
 * 4) At least one external link - any useful websites for your students? textbook link? practice CRCT problems?
 * 5) An e-mail link to yourself
 * 6) Add at least one more "page" to your website
 * 7) Publish your site & add it to Let's Practice! Websites & Wikis