Google sites

Oh my gosh I just made a website! As usual, I had difficulty getting started and was getting frustrated! But, as usual, I persevered! Of course, I feel very important and official now after having my own website, but to be honest, I think I was reluctant to do this assignment because it was not going to turn out the way I wanted and I think with some more time and trial and error I could make a much better website. You can make one too! The one I have now seems very bare bones, but I am getting the hang of it. My husband and I are taking a trip to Europe this fall and I am contemplating doing the travel journal website or a blog. Thoughts?

To make my website, I tried several templates-which was one of the things I struggled with. I wasn't sure how to change images and headings. So I went with a blank template-which was so stark and bare! I added some text and was desperate to dress things up a bit. I even looked at my classmate's work to see if I could devise what kind of templates they used. I saw some really great blogs and websites! I am a follow an example learner, so after looking at some other sites, I began to relax and see what kind of potential I could have if I kept trying. Fortunately, I found another template to make my pretty cherry tree branch (I'm a sucker for Asian motifs) and went from there. Even my font was pleasing! So, with a little patience and trial and error, you can make functional and aesthetically pleasing website too!

A friend of mine just posted on Facebook today about how Google and all of its applications never ceases to amaze her. I have to agree. I was not very computer savvy until I started teaching at a laptop-model school-and even with taking this course essentially twice I am still very hesitant with all things tech-y. But, with a little trial and error, patience and perseverance, great things can happen. Practical, everyday things that happen in the digital world are at your fingertips with Google. I cannot sing their praises enough. I am a convert and an acolyte. It has been discussed over the course of this blog the many ways students can use Google applications. Using Google sites is no different for both teachers and students. Want a centralized place for classes to meet? Make a website? Want to share information? Want to sell a product or yourself? Want to teach real-world applications in the classroom? I can for certain tell you that if a business does not have a website, I will probably not be a patron. I am that information-hungry and that snobby. What better way to get students used to and well-versed in information sharing, business models and web presence than having them make a website for themselves, a mock business, the class, something they are interested in-anything! Children can be afraid of new technology (and adults too!) Google takes a lot of the guesswork and stress from the intimidating world of the digital age.

NETS T standards associated with this are:
1) Facilitate and inspire student learning and creativity
2) Design and develop digital-age learning experiences and assessments
3) Model digital-age work and learning
5) Engage in professional growth and leadership

All of these things are modeled by creating a Google site. Students can be creative by having control of their content and and how things are laid out and displayed. By making one develops digital-age learning experiences. And websites can be certainly be used in both a professional and personal environment.