Web Presence Overview Lesson

This book explores options for creating a web presence and ideas about what you can include and how to optimize its usefulness.

What to Include and Hints

It can be hard to know what to include on your site. Here is a list of what I think are essential elements and below are some options that could be useful and cool:

Essentials
  • Schedule of class events
    • Can be done in a table, calendar, or other ways
    • Include links to handouts, sites when possible
  • Intro to you and contact info
  • Links to additional resources
  • Representations of learning (pics, student work, etc.)

*HINT: Use this website review form to check for quality

Other Options
  • Embed objects (Quizlet study tools, Presentations, YouTube and other videos, Twitter Feed, Survey Using Google Forms, Calendar, and more)
    • To embed, you must first copy the embed code from the item you want to embed. This is usually found in the share features of the item
    • In your site, turn on the html editor (usually an icon that says html or <>)
    • Paste the embed code where you want the object to be (can be confusing, try embedding before adding other stuff)
    • Most website creators have widgets for adding html
  • Create collaborative pages/sites for students or colleagues

Hints

  • Drive people to your site so it gets used
    • Include a link to your site in all correspondence (email signature, business card, etc.)
    • Make it part of your class lessons when applicable
    • Tell students to get missing work from the site
    • Post the URL in your room or where people will see it
  • Keep the design simple! Snazzy backgroundss and flashing images may look cool, but they are distracting.
  • Ensure easy navigation. Use a sidebar or navigation tabs to make sure a visitor can get from page to page no matter where they are in your site
  • Update frequently. It may take a while to get in the habit, but if it takes you a week to post, that's seven days people couldn't access current resources.
    • Try to work in 5-10 minutes each day.
    • Don't try to include everything at first.