Building Blocks: Making a website for your classroom

If your anything like me then you really have no idea how to make your own website, all that coding and computer language? Haven't the foggiest! For me, as long as the computer turns on does what it's told then we are the best of friends! If this is the case then both you and I are supremely grateful for tools like website builders!

So what is a website builder? Well it's a place where you can find tools to help you create your own website to use in the classroom (or for your own personal use, but well focus on the class here). Basically website builders give you the framework to build upon. They usually come with themes to select from (similar to a blog) and multiple blank pages that you can label and fill to your hearts content. Some are for free and others are not, however there are some advantages to a 'paid for' site such as not having to deal with potentially non-kid friendly advertisements to making your website 'invite only' to limit inappropriate or unnecessary comments. 

Why do I need a website?
For one thing it makes it so much easier to keep in contact with your students and their parents, you can post announcements, email students/parents, homework reminders, wiki links, resource pages, links to your LMS (Moodle for me), downloadable handouts/videos/images, just about everything you could put up anywhere else you can conglomerate onto your webpage for quick and easy access that can be updated daily or only as needed. 

 How can I use it in my class?
All the above hasn't convined you just yet? Alright, how about this:

• You can assign each of your students his/her own page where they can upload papers they have written for peer review and submission.
• They can download their homework assignments and complete/submit them online, this cuts back on paper costs.
• You can send out a daily Class Newspaper to the students parents/families so they know what is going on in the class/school.
• Post your class and office times (this is great for special area teachers and ELL teachers as we don't always run on the same schedule as everyone else). 
• Post screencasts and other videos for your students to watch from home.
• Gives students a place to upload their works, written or otherwise, and share their ideas.

So, here are two short reviews on two different websites that provide website builders especially for teachers:

Teacher Web
Free trial: Yes, but you must enter your school information first.
Cost: $39 a year but discounts are available for schools who want to pay for multiple accounts.
Ease of use: Very easy, it provided everything you need to get started.
Tutorials: Yes.
Templates: Yes, literally hundreds of options are available!
Additional development features: 
Includes features such as calendars, homework pages, online quizzes.
Is Grade Book compatible.
WebQuest, widgets/video uploads, document share
Class supply/wish list
Announcements, and will even give you a teachers blog (if you don't already have one). 

Weebly
Free trial: Yes, any one can use it! 
Cost: Free! 
Ease of use: Very easy, it provided everything you need to get started. 
Tutorials: Yes, includes hundreds of themes. 
Templates: Yes, there are many to choose from. 
Additional development features:
Uses 'drop and drag', you can literally drop and drag images and text in order to create your webpages. 
Has an iPhone App, you can access your site from anywhere and at anytime.
Much like a blog it offers traffic stats so you can see who it doing what from where.
Allows you to make and receive emails directly from your moderator pages. 

Having your own class website can be a great benefit to you, your students, and their families. By providing a one stop place for all of their education needs!