Julie McInerney

4-18-03

SLM521 SP03

 

Teacher Created Websites

The following is a list of 2 teacher created websites. They will be described briefly, their usefulness will be discussed, commendations, and recommendations will be listed as well.

I Polk Central Elementary School- Third Grade Page

http://www.polk.k12.nc.us/pcs3/

This site is an overall introduction to the classrooms, procedures, assignments and work of third graders in this elementary school. All of the classroom rules for each teacher are explained as well as the teachers’ backgrounds and teaching experiences.

This page would be useful in a couple of ways. First, it is a great resource for the students, parents, and administrators in the school to find out what is going on in each classroom. Second, it is a great example for other teachers to look at in order to create their own classroom or grade level team website.

Commendations:

  1. There are great graphics. They are very motivating for students to use.
  2. The site is very easy to navigate.
  3. The explanations are brief and informative.
  4. There are good links for students, parents, and teachers. There are a few links listed for assignments and state information for parents and teachers.

Recommendations

  1. The classes are not consistent with providing information. One class has more information on the site than the other two. So it is a good resource for the one class, two others are left out.
  2. The website did not appear to be updated frequently.
  3. There were not many appropriate links for students to use in order to do research. More links could be added to make the "Links" part more useful.
    4.  

    II. Central Falls School District- Mrs. Zakowski’s Kinder"Garden" page

    http://www.ri.net/schools/Central_Falls/ch/heazak/welcome.html

    This is an adorable and informative site created by a kindergarten teacher. There are great parts of her website that connect the classroom to home. The usefulness would be that there is so much information that is well organized, and it really helps parents, teachers and students learn more about this particular classroom environment. There are sections on the themes in reading in math done throughout the year, there are books and book links for parents and students. There are tons of links to authors, learning websites, and even other teachers.

    Commendations

    1. Super organized into very readable information for parents and kindergarden students
    2. Great introduction of policies and background on teacher.
    3. Curriculum that will be taught is included as well as policies of the teacher and school.
    4. Nice graphics that are motivating for young students.
    5. Many links that encourage a parent-child relationship.

      6.  

      Recommendations- it was hard to come up with recommendations, because this is a truly great site!

      1. Photographs of student activities and student work would enhance this site greatly.
      2. Provide more links to school district curriculum/policies.
      3. Maybe provide links to other parenting sites for the parents since these students are starting school for the first time.