Yesterday I had an epiphany about websites and website creation. You see, I have never created a website - ever - at all. I've always been on the outside looking in. I had thought that I'd be satisfied to use freewebs or a similar hosting service for my website project, but now I'm beginning to think that won't give me the interactivity I need. I want more.
I read Bill and Heidi's Moodle post about how they make websites with ease and with a variety of tools. So why am I making this into such a big deal? Bill and Heidi are good models, and sometimes that's all it takes, someone to give you a nudge and then pull you along. Internet blogs and forums are famous for encouraging and helping people with all sorts of things - from car repair to losing weight.
I started wondering if there is a predetermined evolutionary process that schools go through in regard to technology. At our school, the majority of the teachers don't use computers with students, and they only use Blackboard infrequently - usually entering grades once or twice a quarter. There are no podcasts or teacher websites. I wonder what the next developmental stage is and how to speed things along. Can I act as a catalyst?
I had thought that this summer I was going to stay in the shallow end of the website creation pool with my ducky floatie, but now I want to go further, to learn a bit about how to use Dreamweaver or Expressions - to swim in the next part of the pool. I know there will be times that I will feel like I might drown, but I have faith that there are always the sides to hang onto, Chip is the lifeguard on duty and classmates will throw me a line, if I ask, so although I know I'll feel like I'm in over my head at times, I think I'll be okay.
Oh, my free trial Expressions' download is 97% done! Wish me luck - SPLASH
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3 comments:
OreoGood LucK with your website. I understand the ideas about being a catalyst. I like technology and to use it in order to engage kids. My school has been changing over the last couple of years. Part of that is because our school has had quite a few retirements that have changed out building and part of that is because someone has started something new in the building. Either way its exciting and we keep pushing the limits in order to want more.
Thanks for the great publicity Karen. However, I've never built a site that was without some stumbling blocks. (lol)
I wish you luck and you dive into expressions. I have enjoyed working with it but I have sure run into some stumbling blocks. This is my first time creating an educational website also. I have enjoyed the challenge but know my site could be much improved.
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