Google Sites for the Classroom


Ready for a quick and easy classroom web site? Ready to resurrect your existing class site and add a few more elements? The Google Sites Class will offer instruction to:

     1) Setup and customize a Google Web Site
     2) Add content and images to enhance the site
     3) Learn to quickly update/add/delete content as you maintain the site

Come to class with ideas for the content you will publish to your classroom site, perhaps a few good student websites that could be included as links on your site and a few images that could enhance the look of your site. You should be able to build your class site in four hand-on sessions.

Classes Session One times:
Wednesday, January 13 - 3:30-5:00
Wednesday, January 20 - 3:30-5:00
Wednesday, January 27 - 3:30-5:00
Wednesday, February 3 - 3:30-5:00

Classes Session Two times:
Wednesday, February 10 - 3:30-5:00
Wednesday, February 17 - 3:30-5:00
Wednesday, February 24 - 3:30-5:00
Wednesday, March 10 - 3:30-5:00

The Google Sites class earns 6 units for replacement or OPI/Lane Change.
Cost for the class is $30.00. Email Pam or call Pam @ extension 352 to sign up for the Google Sites class

A little history...
Many Lockwood staff members have created web sites using Contribute software. The Contribute software is becoming outdated. Lockwood presently has version 3 and version 4 has been out over a year. As in other software the tech department deploys for the entire district, and Contribute licensing is quite pricey. The decision has been made to forego expensive Contribute upgrades and move forward with a Google product called "Sites". Google Sites is a simple way to make information accessible to students and parents who need quick, up-to-date access through a website. Creating a site is as easy as editing a document. The Google Sites web application is accessible from any internet connected computer. And the best part...Google Sites is FREE!

Staff members who currently have a Contribute site, are welcome to stay with that format, keeping in mind that the school won't be updating and support will be limited. (Connectivity issues have been encountered with Contribute and stability of Google Sites is superior.) Some early adopting teachers have already switched their Contribute site to Google and find the transition is quite seamless.

Google sites instruction can count as the pre-requisite for taking the Summer Tech Institute which will take place in August 2010. Developing a classroom website with solid communication for parents and sound educational links/skill building activities for students could be one of the Summer Institute projects.