Do You Have a Class Website?

I believe that in today’s world of technology every teacher should have a web presence–a way for parents, students, and others to learn more about their class.  If you don’t, here are some quick and easy ways to start a class webpage.  Once you have it finished, be sure to let your schools’ webmaster know so they can link to your site from your school’s website.  Also let your parents know.  You’ll be amazed at how happy they will be to have a way to find out information about their child’s classroom!  A class site will also give you space to show off all those great technology projects you’ve been doing this year!!

So here’s a few of my favorites:

Blogging

If you want to blog (great if you plan on updating content frequently), here’s some great choices.  I’ve included examples, but please know you don’t have to be that elaborate.  It’s fine to start off with just text! 

Edublogs 

Edublogs allows you to create a teacher blog (like this one).  You have lots of options for themes, and while you can stick to text, you can also embed lots of things into your blog.  *This does cost $40 to turn off ads, but I may be able to help with this.  Let me know if you choose this route.*  Here’s an example of a 2nd grade class blog using edublogs 

Classblogmeister 

Classblogmeister is my favorite way to blog with students because it’s free and very, very safe.  It’s a little clunky if you are just creating a teacher blog, but super for kids. Here’s an example of a Kindergarten class blog using classblogmeister.

Blogger

Blogger is not my favorite way to create a blog because of the “Next Blog” button at the top of site which could lead your students to who knows what…but there are ways to turn that off.  And it’s really easy.  If you want to do a blogger blog, let me know, and I’ll give you the directions for disbling that pesky button at the top.  Here’s an example of a Kindergarten class blog using blogger.

Wikis and Website Builders

Want something a little more permanent?  Try a wiki or a website:

Wikispaces

Want more of a static webpage?  Try a wiki!  Wiki means “quick” in Hawaiian, and wikis are quick ways to make a website.  My favorite is wikispaces.  They offer ad free wikis for teachers.  Here’s an example of a fourth grade classroom page created with wikispaces.

Weebly

Weebly is a super simple webpage creator.  I know lots of teachers that use this service!  Here’s one example of a classroom website made with Weebly.

Google Sites 

Google sites also lets you create a simple webpage.  All you need is a google account (which is great to have for lots of reasons!)  Here’s an example of a classroom site made with google sites.

Here are some other sites I’ve briefly viewed, but have not used extensively.  If you choose any of these, check and see where links on these pages go, and check for ads.  They appear to be okay at first glance, but it’s always good to check frequently since webservices sometimes change.

Yola

SchoolRack

ClassJump

Hipero