The group website project taught me about a couple of technical items which I had not encountered with previous website creations: you cannot put animations in the website, because Google does not support them, and in order for someone to see and participate in a comment section, the person must be an owner or an editor. As important as this knowledge is, I learned some things that are even more significant, especially pertaining to myself and how I learn. Collaborating on a group website was a very different experience than creating a website alone. In some ways it was very comforting to not be the only person making decisions; yet at times, it was hard to give up control. I am a perfectionist and edit and re-edit endlessly; now I had to trust someone else. Another member undertook the initial website set-up, so I was able to concentrate on the content of the pages for which I was responsible and our group logo. I focused on the logo first, envisioning a dynamic symbol for our site. Futilely, I kept trying to insert an animated figure into my design; this will not work on Google websites. This is the lesson I hope I have learned from the experience: instead of fruitlessly repeating the same action, stop and research why it does not work. As a lifelong learner, I find that there is still so much I need to learn about technology so that I can adequately assimilate it into my classroom instruction. Overall, I enjoyed the project immensely; I really like the members of my group, and they added things to the website that would never have occurred to me. Logistically it was impossible for the other three members to attend the conferences, so I assumed the role of reporter. The input from other classmates in the conferences was invaluable. I feel as though I have a whole support group at my fingertips!
A class website is a vital tool in the education workbox, no matter the grade level: it can save time by eliminating unnecessary phone calls and notes, reassure parents, and connect the classroom with the home, making parents a part of their students’ education (Moulton, 2008). It is difficult to disseminate all of the information that parents and students need every day to help fulfill the students’ educational needs, so a parent page is an important resource. Regular Ed and Special Ed pages with websites that have references and resources for student and parent use should be a component of a class website as well. All Internet users need to be schooled in Digital Ethics; this information should have priority on any education-related website, no matter the age or the level of expertise of the intended audience (Kruger, 2003). Additional pages can be added to a website, such as class information, how-to pages, or fun pages like pictures of class activities (“Teaching With Technology,” n.d.). The list is limited only by the imagination of the teacher!
Classroom Web Site. (n.d. ). Teaching With Technology. Retrieved
February 21, 2012, from
Kruger, R. (2003, July-August). Discussing cyber ethics with students is crucial.
The Social Studies, 188-189.
Moulton, J. (2008, February 19). The classroom web page: A must have in 2008.
Retrieved on February 20, 2012 from
Marianne Wallace
EDLD5366/ET8038
