Web Log 6

In the interest of facilitating the research and design of my web 2.0 class web site, I have interviewed my students, their parents, and my principal about what to include in a course web site. The results are as follows:

Students' feedback:
My students believe that a teacher's website should include:
* notes/PowerPoints
* assignments and explanations for assignments
* a weekly syllabus
* all materials discussed in class
* resources for extensive study
* homework
* study guides
* contact information
* the background of the teacher, such as education
* a section where students can ask and answer questions
* practice quizzes and tests
* works of inspiration
* class expectations
* important textbook excerpts
* pictures and slideshows
* standards of work that teachers would like to see students produce
* printable copies of the worksheets or handouts
* information to help students better understand what they are learning in class
* study tips
* news and current events
* links to tutors
* surprise extra credit
* a summary of what we did in class

However, some additional information that students shared is that they like it when teachers tell them what the homework is during class rather than JUST putting it on the website. Another student stated that "the simpler the better" is a good motto to keep in mind when designing a website, as is "too much information is overwhelming." However, another student says, "I would like teachers to make their websites more colorful." Yet another student shared,"Personally, from experiences, I have learned not to rely on websites. Honestly, I think teachers are doing great jobs on communication and teaching us how to be responsible."

Parents' feedback:
"I would like to see links that further explain or show or give examples of the topics covered. It's helpful to have a better idea of what the girls are learning so I can have a more active part in discussion we may have about school work. I think it's more important for the girls to have access to this than I do, but it's nice to have if I am curious about the topic. I like having e-mail as a form of communication with teachers because I can write and send my questions when I have them and the teachers can read and respond to them when they have the time. I find this a more time efficient method than phone calls and notes."

"A teachers website should include links and information to support and enrich classroom instruction, depending on the subject - tutorials, review activities (OK, games!), on-line encyclopedia, atlas, etc. I don't believe a teacher needs to include homework assignments or class notes on the web page. Writing homework assignments is the responsibility of the student. Teachers are busy enough without having to write the homework for the kids and they have classmates for notes. Educational technology is a blessing and a bane."

"I would like teacher to use a web site to post what they are doing and what the home work is and what it was so we can keep tabs on the kids. If it can be made up or not. How to contact them. Up and coming events in the classroom or in the school. What we should be looking for our students to be doing."

"Contact information, Procedures and policies for behavioral expectations, Outline for topics to be covered, due dates of projects, dates when grades will be updated and/are posted. Links: homework helpers or good research sites for topics covered in class."

"The things that would help me to understand what my daughter is learning in your class would be, up and coming projects,homework,any extra credit she could do, and her grades."

"I would like to see a course syllabus, calender with exam dates and course assignments. At the high school level, the exam dates and assignments would be for the students benefit, but it would be helpful information for the parents as well. Pertinent links to web sites related to the course would also be helpful. As a parent, and a former student, I believe technology could be used to set clear expectations between the teacher and the student."

"We like to see the materials they are using, books, computer etc. We also like to see their projects, tests, homework results posted on the computer. Like to continuously be informed on what they are working on in the classroom so we can better assist at home. Mainly to have access to be in touch with the teacher at any given time if needed."

"Actually, just being able to reach you (the teacher) with particular questions- at this point, our daughter should be able to find classwork/homework information herself!"

Principal's feedback:
"Here is just a wild brain storm - take it as such!
* syllabus, grading policy, expectations
* homework
* weekly plans and assignments
* calendar for your class
* best way to contact the teacher (you)
* how student can get extra help if needed
* links to handouts, PowerPoint presentations, etc.
* links to resources that are valuable for your class, e.g. an MLA website, www.freerice.com, turn-it-in
* field trip information and forms
* some sort of welcome to the homepage specifically for parents"