| DATABASE |
At the beginning of the school year, I scan my class lists into a database. To that I add information such as the students' network userids. Having such a database allows me to sort information at various times during the year to build the handouts that I need to plan a web site compiled by an entire class.
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| HTML CODE | To construct these web sites, I distribute to each student a handout that explains HTML code. I also create a web page template designed specifically for this assignment that students can copy completely without having to know sophisticated HTML code. We use a text editor (Windows' Notepad or Mac's Simpletext) to write our pages. Students add the extension ".htm" when they name their files. These ".htm" files can be read on either PC or Mac platforms, so students may work on any computer in the school to write their web pages. Having students use a text editor works best for me. I have found HTML software programs difficult to use with students when they want to change or enhance the initial design. Since they have to know HTML code to make any changes, they can make those alterations quickly in a text editor.
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| HANDOUTS | The key to creating successful web pages is to provide students with the structure and information that they need to construct their pages. I use several handouts that enable students to work independently. Ideally, students should be able to answer their questions by reading the handouts if I am busy helping other students.
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| FILE NAMES |
It is especially helpful to determine the names of files before beginning the assignment. Knowing the names of the files makes compiling large numbers of student files much easier. It also prevents students from overwriting the files of others when all the files are put into the same folder.
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| DIRECTORY PATH | Consult with the curator of the school's web site to determine the directory path for your web site. Knowing the path location of the site before beginning the project allows you and the students to add the correct links to all other pages as they create each file.
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| ACCESS TO FILES |
Before beginning a project, I ask the technology specialist to grant me access to the folders of my students who will be working on this project. Having such access allows me to trouble-shoot student problems that arise. I also ask that my student project managers be granted access to each student's network account. Project managers can move graphic files and templates into each student's folder when they wish to standardize the site's design. Once all the students have completed the writing of their HTML files, the project managers in each class can then gather all the files from individual folders to compile the site.
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| EDITING | Have the students edit the files of others several times during the creation of the site. Once students have made their corrections, I read each file one last time for accuracy of content and for grammatical correctness. The last editing must be for consistency of details throughout the entire site. The difference between a good site and a great site is in the attention to details. I see my last editing as a labor of love.
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| RUBRIC | Use a rubric to evaluate students' web pages. Such a checklist helps you to verify that the appropriate content appears on each page. I share this rubric with students so that they will know my expectations for each page.
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| PHOTOGRAPHS | Photographs humanize a site. Although it takes time to photograph the students and then manipulate the images, the delight of students when they see their pictures makes the time commitment worthwhile.
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| LAST WORDS | The success of any assignment is related to student involvement. A web site project invites students to read and manipulate an assignment actively. They assume ownership of the task. I am amazed at the students' display of personal involvement, learning, and problem-solving skills while working intensely with a literary classic. We are all thrilled with the results. Some of my most exciting class discussions have resulted from the creation of these web pages. I know that building a web site will take a great deal of energy and time, but the results are most gratifying. None of us has enough time to do everything, but I encourage you to discover the power of creating a web site. It will energize you and your students.
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