To host or not to host

[Jared]

I'm interested to know what experiences you all have had in trying to integrate the web into your classrooms. Do you have a web page? If you did would students go to it for resources or extra help? If you like the idea of having a web page but don't have one what is holding you back?

[Tina Bulleigh]

Well my website is down right now but I totally believe that it is the way to go! I personally like to post webquests that host all of the relevant resources that I know dealing with that matter (and of course I will add any other sites the students find to enhance the list). I also like to use my site as a "virtual fridge" in which to post student projects in order to offer an authentic audience for student work and to offer ideas for teachers. How do you use it?

[Derwin Kitch]

My web page is more of a personal one but for school I use the Yahoo! 360 blog to share with the parents what we are doing for the week. It's been very popular and a great way to communicate. For web resources, I use www.ikeepbookmarks.com/nido. I use it to store recommended web pages. I'm gradually getting the classroom teachers in on this site. They use it to put sites that relate to their current units or sites that the students are allowed to use during recess, lunch or when they are done their homework.

[Carol Broos]

I have had a website for four years. Three years with teacherweb.com and last year I started my own using iWeb www.carolbroos.com My students and parents LOVE the site. I have them sign that I can use their picture and compositions. Students have downloaded their songs, subscribe to my calendars, and comment on the site. I am completely paperless and students go to the website for everything!

[newdiva]

After students learn about HTML and DHTML..and after they create their web pages, the next logical step is web hosting. Unfortunately, for students it is not easy to get an account with a third party hosting provider and host their web sites. I have found out a new and easy way for students to host their work. There is a software called Purplenova (www.purplenova.com) that allows anyone to host a website directly from their home computer. The basic version is free and you can host as much as you want. For students and teaching community it is great! since students can host websites that have been created in classrooms and see for themselves how their work looks on the web..Very educational and easy to use tool..

[Heather Heck]

Hi, Jared,

I'm currently a librarian who has a school web page, but I also have some experience with general classroom web pages. My suggestion for people who are curious or who just want to "play" with one--you might want to check out chalksite.com, or get your bad self a Gmail account and create a Googlepage. My library web page is a Google page. It's still in the early development stages, but I'm working on it--sort of. I think, too, that part of what holds people back from classroom web pages is the idea that they have to know all this heavy techy stuff, when really, if they go WYSIWYG, they don't. I think, too, the idea of insecurity and some weirdo or some hacker totally messing up your page makes people a bit leery, too. I just wish I had more time to help some of my staff members with their web pages. Wet paint! I forgot about wet paint! wetpaint.com is a good one, too!

[newdiva]

Hi Heather,

I will check out chalksite.com. Have you looked at Purplenova.com? I like it because the basic version lets me a do a lot. The coolest part is, I can make changes to my web page and see them on the web immediately. I personally do not like to upload stuff to third party servers. This solution gives me better control..also, it is VERY easy to use and the most important..it is secure!..I am going to check out wetpaint.com too..

[Heather Heck]

Hi, newdiva!

I was lurking about on purplenova last night, just before bed! Looks really interesting, and that whole secure server thing is just brilliant! Third party stuff IS scary, because you never know who's lurking, or what it is they may be lurking for (ick!). Will definitely be looking into them! Hope you have fun with the chalksite and wetpaint stuff!

Heather

[Jennifer Francis]

I'm the school librarian, but I also teach classes in the library so I am still in a "teacher" role part time. I love having a webpage where I can post links I want students to use. That is much easier than using a print handout and having kids type web addresses in by hand or trying to search for them. I also use the space to communicate important information. Mine is hosted on my school district's server so I have limitations as to what and how I post. But I find most of these guidelines easy to live with. I think what holds me back the most is taking the time to continue to add to my page. I have so many duties that I find it hard to get the time to post.