Website #1

Joanne Weaver

Lincoln Elementary School

Cannon City, Colorado

http://www.ccswebs.org/weaver/introduction.htm

This is a 2^nd grade teacher’s website. It includes useful information for both parents and students. It explains curriculum, classroom routines, homework and special activities. There are some links to resources for parents and students, including the school district’s website. This is a good example of a first attempt at a website for a teacher. She did a commendable job.

Commendations

It is a very simply designed web site that is easy to use.
The index stays at the top of each page so there is no scrolling and the visitor does not have to use the back button.
I like the idea of the virtual tour and map of the classroom.
It is a great idea to have a link to the site of the fieldtrip they are attending.

Recommendations

Photos should be more plentiful, clearer, and larger.
It would be interesting to see more student work.
It would be more pleasing to the eye if it had more graphics.
It would be more useful if updated more often.
It would be more useful if it had more links to resources and activities.

Website #2

Mrs. McGowan
H.W. Mountz Elementary School

Spring Lake, NJ

http://www.mrsmcgowan.com/2nd/index.html

This is also a 2^nd grade website. It was made for the school year 2003/2004. It is a phenomenal site. It is extremely useful for both parents and students. It includes explanation of curriculum and classroom activities. It has a plethora of online resources, games, and activities. It has an incredible showcase of student work. This is a good example of a teacher who dedicates a great amount of time to her website. She also has a 1^st grade website for 2004/2005.

Commendations

It is extremely easy to navigate and find just what you are looking for.
It is pleasing to the eye with nice graphics without being too busy.
The student showcase is incredible.

She has scanned in artwork with her students writing.
Parents can browse all students or quickly find their own child’s work.
Some student work is in slide show form. Whale Tales Newsletters can be viewed, downloaded, or printed out in document or pdf form!

The resources are too numerous to list. I was blown away!

Recommendations

I would like to see more photos of the classroom and of the students working.
I would get rid of the accompanying music or have an easy way to turn it off.
I feel she should teach others how to make such a comprehensive teacher made website.