How did you come to create this site? How did you come to create this site?I had read an article in the October '96 issue of the English Journal about a high school teacher on Cape Cod who had created a resource page, Barr's English Class, for his students. Reading about this site inspired me to try my hand at designing a page for my eighth graders.
Did you have a lot of previous computer experience before designing this website?
Years ago, I had bought a "512K enhanced Macintosh." For those of you who are familiar with the Macintosh line, you will recognize this as an early, not very powerful machine. I used this little wonder for word processing and greeting card making. (It's still running today.)
In recent years, however, I began realizing that my eighth graders were far more computer literate than I was. Determined to do some catching up, I enrolled in two computer courses being offered by my school system. One course was "Introduction to the Internet." I was hooked. I loved having almost instant access to a whole world of information.
In the spring '96, I purchased a Macintosh Performa.
I detailed this information because I wanted other teachers who might be considering making such a site to realize that I had no real experience of any kind before attempting this page.
How did you learn how to make a web page?
I found a few basic online HTML tutorials. I have listed a few at the bottom of my Internet Information page. If you want to learn HTML, visit these sites.
I also purchased one book, Laura Lemay's Teach Yourself Web Publishing with HTML in a Week. I found it to be a very clear, concise guide to designing and creating web pages.
Remember: HTML is not brain surgery; you'll be surprised at how simple it is to learn. Try it!
Does it take a lot of time to create and maintain a site such as this?
YES
Do you have internet access in your classroom?
Yes
Do students work on this website?
Student involvement is limited. They do occasionally help out with the typing of pieces for the Student Authors section and often suggest links that they think should be added to the site.
This page was designed to be an enrichment/resource page. The English/ Language Arts Curriculum involves so much material that it would preclude spending time working on this site during class. Ninety-eight percent of the work is done at home by me when I'm not knee-deep in essays that need to be corrected.
What precautions do you take when posting student pictures and writing?
I only put the student's first name and last initial on the work. I would never identify individual students appearing in any group photos on my website. For further suggestions about this issue, consult Student Permission to Publish and an excellent page of Links to Information on Internet Safety
What about student access to this site?
About fifty percent of my students have the internet at home. Our school library has five online computers that students may use during studies or after school.
Do I mind if other teachers use my writing lessons or share samples from the Student Authors section with their students?
Go right ahead. Be my guest. I love hearing from teachers who have found the material presented in Ms. Smith's English Page to be useful, and my students love getting email about their writing.
Last modified: October 16, 1999
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