Did you know...
that you can create a cute class website using Google? I know what you're thinking...there aren't a lot of templates or fonts to choose from and the parameters are very limiting. A few years ago, those concerns were true because I did, in fact, attempt to create a website on Google. It bombed terribly and I didn't look back...until now!!
This summer I took a 3 day technology based workshop through our Teacher's Center and I discovered a whole new world! The best part is--you can choose from a premade template (which is great for tech savvy people) or you can create your site from scratch only including the pages you really want (this way is better for novices).
I created mine using a classroom template...here's a pic of the front page
You can even embed a form from Google (I linked mine to the Poll Button on my homepage):
Or you can have a link:
There are a ton of fonts to choose and anything you do in Google can be linked to your site, like your calendar, docs, and other websites! People can even subscribe to certain posts--like my homework page! Families can subscribe and be notified of the new homework assignments when I upload them to the site!! How cool is that?!!? (Sorry...my inner nerd got out :p)
In no way shape or form am I affiliated with Google...I just love the new things I can do with it and I wanted to share!
If you want to take a closer look at my site, you can go HERE. It is still a work in progress and there is a lot I need to add, especially under Acknowledgements.
I would love to hear what you think! Are you ready to build a class site?
I have been going back and forth trying to decide if I want to do a website for my special ed kiddos this year... I am definitely checking this out and I think I may do it. I am so nervous though that I won't be good at keeping up with it and then parents will get upset... AHHHH decisions decisions! Thanks for sharing this!!
ReplyDeleteTaylor
BakingCraftingTeaching Oh My!
I have the same worries about up keeping it, but my plan is to update it whenever I plan. I usually plan a little bit each day during the week, so I'm planning to designate one day to updating the site. I know my parents are going to use the site constantly, so I have to be on top of it--it's a good motivator :o)
DeleteIf you do create a site, let me know how it turns out :o)
I use Google for my class website as well.
ReplyDeletehttps://sites.google.com/a/mesquiteisd.org/morris2ndgrade/
✰Becca
Simply 2nd Resources
Your site looks really nice!! Thank you for sharing :o)
DeleteJen - Thanks again for posting this!! Thanks to you, I did it and I am so excited about it! I think it will be great for my kiddos and their parents! - I'll post about it on my blog soon!
ReplyDeleteTaylor
Taylor--Yay! I'm so happy to hear it and I can't wait to read your blog post :o)
Delete--jen
Jen- where do you do to get started creating a website??
ReplyDeleteBeth
Thinking of Teaching
Hi Beth! This is a great question because with the new Google I had to do some searching!
DeleteFirst, you need to have a Gmail account. When you have that set up, you login and look all the way to the top of the page.
There's a bunch of things listed like search, images, calendar etc. You want to click "more", which gives you another list of options.
At the very bottom, you see "even more". Click even more and it brings you to another page full of google products.
Scroll down the page and look for "sites" (on my page it is under home and office).
Click on sites and on the far left side, there's a big red button labeled CREATE.
I hope this helps! Let me know if you need anything else :o)