Part 1
Getting Started
Text: Learning Web Design - Part I, p3-p56
Getting Started: Overview of the Internet, browsers, Web
authoring tools,
and design elements in Web page creation
The Internet provides a vast resource of information for educators that
can lead to motivating activities for teaching and learning. Having said
that, it is important to understand how the potential of the Internet can
be harnessed to the greatest advantage for student learning in the classroom.
In this section you will examine current issues surrounding the use of the
Internet in a classroom setting as well as explore ways in which this valuable
resource can be used to the greatest advantage for student learning.
A. Introduction
The significance of including technology in our modern classrooms can be seen by
the increasing numbers of national standards that revolve around technology for
both students in K-12 classrooms and teacher training programs. Take some
time to review information on the
importance of the Internet in teaching and learning.
One of the reasons the Internet and the WWW are so important
for education is because of the wealth of information they contain. Of
course, this is one disadvantage too, since there is so much information.
It is sometimes difficult to find what you're looking for and then once you find
it, verify its reliability. Explore the online
environment, how it works and what you can do to better prepare yourself for
using the Internet in your classroom by completing the
Internet Basics tutorial.
B. Using the Web in education
How you use the Internet in your classroom is probably
more important than if you use it. Gain a better understanding of how to
use the Web in education and review the
telecommunications models
that provide a basic framework for integrating the Internet into your classroom.
The safety of the students who use the Web in our classrooms
is a high priority for districts, schools, and teachers - or if it isn't, it
should be. Here's a short tutorial with some resources that address
Safety on the Web.
One of the simplest ways to protect students is by developing
well-planned instructional activities that utilize the vast resources of the Web
in a structured, thoughtful way. Visit the
Internet Integration Activities page
and explore some structured formats for integrating the Internet into your
classroom.
Participate in a
Scavenger Hunt about Scavenger Hunts.
Other Resources:
Curriculum Webs http://curriculumwebs.com
The
Differentiated Classroom - Responding to the Needs of All Learners
Carol Ann Tomlinson
C. Designing for the Web
Designing educationally relevant activities for the Web, that are motivating
and safe for students, requires not only a basic understanding of the the
potential advantages and disadvantages of the Web but a good deal of technical
expertise in Web page development and design.
Web pages are built using a set of codes known as Hypertext Markup Language or
HTML. It is possible to create web pages in HTML using a simple text
editor like Notepad. However, it is much easier to create web pages using
web editing software programs. The easiest programs offer a WYSIWYG (What
You See is What You Get) editing interface. Some popular WYSIWYG editors
include:
Other software tools include:
-
Macromedia Home Site
- Saving Microsoft Word documents (spreadsheets and
presentations as well) as Web pages.
- Raw HTML documents
|
Here's a snapshot of The FrontPage 2003 Environment
Design tips
from the experts (Word)
| 
This intensive
two-day course is designed to give you an overview of the
Web authoring environment and will provide you with the tools necessary to
create educational content appropriate for a curriculum-based
Website. HTML is the basis for all Web documents, so you will learn
to recognize basic HTML tags for troubleshooting and design. You
will explore characteristics of the most popular authoring tools like
Microsoft FrontPage, Macromedia Dreamweaver, and Alaris Home Site.
You will develop Internet-based educational materials that are appropriate
for the Web and publish this content to a multi-page Website using MS
FrontPage. Issues of usability and accessibility will also be
examined. 
©
2003 Kerry Rice, Department of Educational Technology,
Boise State University