Web Design--Teacher Tips

The Web Design home page is structured differently than other modules in Tech Connections.  It is intended that students follow the numbers clockwise in the circle of links--the numbers indicate a sequence of steps, or stages.  For students who tackle the module independently, we hope that the steps will help them make sense of what they are doing, and encourage them to think about good design and advance planning from the beginning. At any point they are free to check out other links in the sequence to learn more about specific aspects of web design.

1 In Getting Started, students study design techniques and evaluate web sites using the guidelines. Before going further, they should look ahead to Personal Project to consider their options and begin content planning. Then students will sketch a storyboard for their site, subject to revision as they progress.  Encourage your students to look at other links in the sequence at any time to gain a better understanding of their goal.  A look at the Key Competencies link under Evaluation might be helpful early in the learning process.

2  In Foundations, students learn essential web design Terms and set up folders for organizing their site.  Use the File Naming and Linking Worksheet to give students practice creating appropriate file names while they study the Site Organization link.  They should hold on to this worksheet and complete it when they practice Links in the HTML Lessons. Finally, the Copyright link needs emphasis. It is very easy to copy graphics found on the Internet and use them in one's own work. Students must be encouraged to document all of their sources and request permission if they wish to republish some one else's work, whether graphic or text. 

3 The First Page link gives students advice about using Notepad to begin their HTML document.  Specific procedures are outlined.   If you emphasize--and demonstrate--the tips for saving, refreshing, and toggling between views, you may help your students to avoid pitfalls and frustration.

4 You must determine whether your students can work through the HTML Lessons on their own or practice while you demonstrate. If they have a project in mind, they can focus on content from the start.  Otherwise, suggest they use personal interests, activities, family relationships, etc.--any topic with several aspects to present.  The Color Lesson should be motivational.  See the Using Color teacher tips for more ideas on working with that lesson. At any time during the lessons, students can explore the links under Helps.

5 Homesite is a powerful design tool for the user who understands basic HTML. Students will probably learn its functions quickly if they study the Map and Tutorial. Provide handouts if you think they're necessary.  Request an enlarged and laminated color copy of the map if you think it would be helpful. Once they grasp how it works, they should be able to forge ahead on their projects.

Point your students to the U.S. Geological Survey web site to find images that can be used in web sites and for image maps.  The Photo and Image Collections page is a good starting point. Earth Science Photographic Archive and Earth as Art are excellent links.  "Information presented on this website is considered public information (unless otherwise noted) and may be distributed or copied. Use of appropriate byline/photo/image credit is requested."

6 The Helps links can be used at any time in the stages of learning. Provide copies if your students need them.  Also encourage students to use the classroom copies of web design books.  Be sure there is a copy of the 216 Color Webmaster's Palette poster displayed where it is visible and accessible.

7 The Personal Projects are designed to give students freedom to choose a topic that is personally useful and/or interesting. You may choose to have all of your students do one or the other, depending on your content emphasis.  Other project descriptions may be available in the future.

8 In Evaluation, encourage students to look carefully at the Rubrics specific to their project choice before they begin working on their personal site. Notice that one of the project rubrics categories is Peer Evaluations.  The Peer Evaluation Form is another Evaluation link. Schedule a peer evaluation session in class close to the final project deadline, but with enough time remaining for students to tweak their web sites based on the feedback they receive.  Students are instructed to turn their completed site in by dropping it in your appropriate class period grading folder.  Check with Instructional Technology & Libraries if you do not have "drop" folders with appropriate permissions on your school's S: drive.

Copyright Notice: No materials on any of the Bellingham Schools’ web pages may be copied without express written permission unless permission is clearly stated on the page.
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