1. Section V: Using Multimedia Tools to Enhance Learning
Web Authoring

2. Frameworks: What we know. . .
How has design of the Web changed?
Began as a means of exchanging text-based communication
Became a means of publishing because of ease and lack of expense
BUT - No Visual Appeal
Graphic designers adapted it for graphic page design
Became huge information source
BUT - limited to designers who could write code 2

3. Frameworks: What we know. . .
So, then what happened?
Continuous push to make publishing easier
WYSIWYG
Such as Dreamweaver, Contribute, Amaya
Content-Managed
Such as Blackboard, Drupal, Moodle
Web 2.0 tools
Such as blogs, wikis, web-sites 3

4. Basics: Web Publishing
What are the benefits of Web publishing for schools and teachers?
Cost of publishing vs print-based
Use of color is free
Distribution is basically free
Accessibility (24/7)
Linking audience to massive amounts of information and resources immediately
Communication
Able to communicate with students and parents 4

5. Basics: Web Publishing
What type of information is found at a school site?
General information for the school
Mission statement, school administration, school calendar, contact information and map
News/Events
Schedules: Bus, Athletics
Organizations: Parent-Teacher, Student
Support Areas: Cafeteria, Library, Counselor
Faculty: Classrooms 5

6. Basics: Web Publishing
What type of information is found at a teacher site?
General information
Teacher bio, supply list, class policies, class schedule.
Instruction
Gen resources, virtual field trips, project-based sites, WebQuests, tutorials, homework, study guides
Showcase
Projects, art work, writing, student of the week
News and Coming Events
Annual photos, field trips, science fairs, parent conferences 6

7. Basics: Methods for Creating
What are the different methods used for web-design?
Hand Code
Creates by writing HTML code.
WYSIWYG
Software resembles a word processor.
Current ones are fairly sophisticated
Requires technical expertise
Content-Managed (proprietary and open source)
Hosted
Requires little expertise.
Usually gives access to many features through the control panel (discussion forum, announcements, blogs, etc. 7

8. Basics: Methods for Creating, cont.d
What are the different methods used for web-design?
Web 2.0
Online
Little technical expertise required
Access is 24/7 with Internet and browser
Free
Open-source 8

9. Basics: More about Web 2.0
What are the tools that can be used to create websites?
Blogs
Blogger || Edublogs
Wikis
PBWorks || Wikispaces
Website
Google Sites || Weebly
Web Start Pages
iGoogle || Netvibes || Pageflakes 9

10. Basics: Obtaining Server Space
Do I need to obtain server space for my site?
Depends on the tool that is being used
Hand code: YES
WYSIWYG: YES
Content managed : YES - but comes with account
Web 2.0: YES - but comes with account 10

11. Basics: Organization of Files
Do I need to organize the files for my site? YES!!!!!!!
Create a Root folder
Name the folder web so that you will know it contains your web files
Contains a folder with all graphics for the site
.jpeg, .gif, .png
Contains a folder for videos that you create (unless you are linking to them on Teacher Tube, etc)
Contains homepage
Contains each additional page of site 11

12. Basics: Web Page Components
What are the components that might be in my site?
Standard components
Text:
content, navigation bars, contact info
Images
Hyperlinks: way to navigate between pages
Internal, external, anchor
Optional
Blog, Wikis, Podcasts, Movies 12

13. Basics: Making the site Accessible
How should I design my site for accessibility?
Background: Choose a template that frames the content but does not interfere with the content
Text:
Choose a high contrast color. No distracting colors such as red or neon colors. No pastels on while or light background.
Use sans-serif and cross platform fonts (Ariel, Verdana)
Do not use underlining - only for hyperlinks
Vary the sizes for headers, sub-heads and text
Be consistent!! 13

14. Basics: Making the site Accessible
How can I design my site for accessibility?
Writing
Present in short blocks or text or bulleted statements.
Use numbering tool when sequence is important.
Use vocabulary that is appropriate for the audience.
Graphics
Must use .jpeg, .gif or .png files for the web
Use alt tags for each graphic
Change resolution to pixels per inch
Observe all copyright laws 14

15. Basics: Steps for Designing
How should I go about designing a classroom site?
Secure space on a server
Apply for space by obtaining a web account
Plan the site
Storyboard the site
Collect the components for the site
Write the content
Create the site
Create and upload the homepage and additional pages.
Preview your site on the web and check all links. 15

16. Adapting for Special Learners
How should I adapt the site for special learners?
Review the information on slides 13 and 14
Use high contrast between the background and text.
Use alterative text for all graphics
Transcribe audio and video
The text for hyperlinks should clearly explain where the link goes. Avoid placing more than one hyperlink per line of text.
Provide alternative ways to access content.
Provide summaries of charts and graphs.
Write out all acronyms (PTA) 16

17. Voices in the Classroom
A Virtual Classroom
Paul Gigliotti, MA
Content Specialty: Social Studies
Middle School Teacher in Ohio
In this Voice, Paul Gigliotti, “2008 Ohio Middle School Teacher of the Year”, discusses teaching 21st century students. He points out that his classroom site is designed to take traditional history into the digital world of his students where they can access class notes and review questions, podcasts, interactive Internet assignments, presentation downloads, wiki communities, and more. Follow this inspiring teacher as he explains his path.

18. For more information Go to the textbook companion website: Or