What's important in a web site?

I was thinking about all the web sites I've actually visited since being introduced to the Internet around 1996. Obviously there are ones that I probably visit more often than others just due to the topic I'm interested in regardless of how detailed or poorly designed the web site is.

However, there are other sites out there that can capture the audience. I've also thought that content on the site is far more important to drawing someone genuinely interested to the site rather than all the bells and whistles.

In designing a web site for school, I think it's important to take into consideration that there are going to be students who are genuinely interested in learning and others who could care less. The question is can you use the web site as an alternative way to engage the student who would otherwise be disinterested in the subject or the material that the class has to cover.

I think there are definitely some interactive ways to approach the student who would otherwise not be interested.

Now these are ideas about grabbing the audience from a business perspective. I thought it might help in terms of capturing the audience.

Impressive Teacher WebSite

I am excited to create my website - and I found some great examples online!

http://kids-learn.org/

Kidspirations and Inspirations

I found several examples of kidspirations and inspirations online. I thought this would be of some help to all of you to get a better understanding of what they are all about.

An additional link: http://www.strategictransitions.com/visuallearning.aspx

The original link is the hidden link in the title of the this blog entry.

The One Computer Reality

It is always ideal to have access to 25 + computers for your students, but what about the everyday REALITY of 1 computer in your classroom? I found this great website that provides ideas on how to best use that 1 computer in your classroom.

WebQuest

I have enjoyed learning more about WebQuests. I found it very interesting (and challenging!) to put the whole WebQuest together. I am adding my final touches now - not sure how many graphics are too many graphics. I try to make a nice mix of pictures with text.

A GREAT WEBQUEST!

This seems like it is a worthwhile webquest. I think the topic of plate tectonics can be challenging, especially for concrete learners. This webquest gives the student a defined "task" and has excellent visuals.

TeenAngels

My wife teaches at GW Middle School in Ridgewood, NJ. The computer teacher at her school runs a chapter of TeenAngles, which is a group of students who have been specially trained in all aspects of online safety, privacy and security. The goal of TeenAngels is to "make the Internet safer." This is obviously a tough job, in this world of online chat rooms and social networking sites. The students were featured on CBS a few months ago, and are going to Washington D.C. in a few weeks. They will present their research to policymakers and law enforcement.

Here is the link to the TeenAngles chapter at GWMS:

http://gw.school.ridgewood.k12.nj.us/index.cfm?sid=5&nav_id=4407

Any thoughts?