We suggest beginning small, keeping the project limited to a few sub-sections. Eventually, your site may have newsletters, graduation pictures, and more, but all of those additions may be added in a modular fashion. A web page project is similar to any publishing project. You need people to produce content (text and graphics), editors, and a supervision system.
The second step is to organize a list of some possibilities, and to encourage imaginative applications and vision.
Before approaching the technical "how to’s" of web page design, it is best to consider "why" and "what" questions. As we consider what our objectives are, the project will begin to take shape. We will move toward what we call a "storyboard"... most often a sketch of how the pages of your presentation link together. A storyboard is equivalent to a blue print for a building. It is a critical step!
The following is an outline of one possible design. The "->" means that one page leads to another on the internet. Remember, unlike paper "page turners", internet users are used to interacting and clicking where they (not you) want them to go.
Index (home) Page An attractive welcoming page with limited text and some photos or graphics
- Community Profile -> profile page
- Newsletters -> months or issues -> each newsletter
- Student Artwork -> thumbnail images -> full sized images
- Student Stories -> individual stories
- Show & Tell -> individual projects
- Teacher Resources -> links to outside resources
- Children's Links -> point and click links to interesting sites
There are many choices that may be made regarding development tools. In the rapidly changing world of the internet and software, the best choices tomorrow might be different than the ones today. One excellent source of information and rating systems can be found on the web at http://cws.internet.com. That is our favorite because new products are always being reviewed, ranked, and compared. Other sources of programs is http://www.tucows.com.
- Graphics Tool - Almost every scanner or digital camera now comes with software to edit images. There are many free or time limited graphics editors available on the ‘net.
- HTML Editor - Although one can learn and type in HTML (HyperText Markup Language) directly, most people prefer to use an editor that make quick work of generating the required codes for web pages. If you use Netscape to browse the internet, it has a built-in editor called the Composer. Other editors such as Homesite and Internet Assistant are available without cost. Others, such as Microsoft Front Page has periodically issued free versions with other software.
- FTP program - WS_FTP LE (File Transfer Protocol)
This freeware program has an easy to use interface. Go to http://cws.internet.com/ftp-ws-ftp.html and be sure to click on the free "LE" educational version in the "Also Available" box.
Now, we realize that it's not always as easy as 1-2-3, but ask around. It's not that hard!
In our experience, having a digital camera or scanner really got the momentum rolling. Industry Canada is willing to pay $600 for new or existing web pages. For imformation and application form, go to: http://www.schoolnet.ca/grassroots/e/project.centre/index.asp
Also, schools can pick up a quick $300 by participating in the "Generations Can Connect" program.
Note
from the author/developer Once in a while we have an opportunity to work on a project that has real magic. From the time young people pick up the digital camera they are engaged. Intuitively, they understand their empowerment at becoming publishers, as well as consumers of information. They embrace a medium that lets them take pride in their work, to blend craftsmanship and communication skills. ~ Kevin R. Burton
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