A classroom website is an ideal tool to incorporate into the classroom when integrating technology and to add another line of communication. As an assignment for a graduate class I am taking this summer, I created a classroom website that can be updated to fit my needs and my classroom’s needs. The site at this point is still a work in progress since I don’t have a classroom yet, but it does have the main framework for the site.
In my own teaching I will use a classroom website as a way to give parents information about the class, upcoming events, and class projects with assignment details. I will also use the site to display the students work including podcasts and screencasts that can be viewed and listened to at home or in the classroom. For older grades, such as fourth or fifth grade, I would also include student blogs where students can post their projects, publish their writing, and write summaries of activities and/or concepts that they have learned. Another aspect that I will include on my website will be links to educational/helpful websites for students and parents.The website also includes a form where parents or students can contact me with questions.
I believe that websites can be another tool to engage students in their learning as well as provide a convenient place for parents to get up- to- date information about the class.
Lauren Nixon 