Journal #10- "Five Steps to an Accessible Classroom Website"

Amundson, Linda. (2009). Five Steps to an Accessible Classroom Website .37(2), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Publications/LL/LLIssues/Volume3720092010/NovemberNo3/L_L_November_2009.htm



This article is very handy when you are making a website of your own. I think it is very important to communicate with both the parents and students once they leave the classroom. My goal as a teacher is to create some sort of website that will let me communicate back and forth, possibly a Wiki. This article helps you to create a great page step by step. There are five steps to follow that will help.
1.Organize for Easier Navigation
2. Navigation without a Mouse
3. Text Explanations for Images
4. Using Text that Makes Sense
5. Web Validators

Especially when you are working with younger students, you want to make sure that titles are easy to read and understand. You want them to be right to the point so they know what they need to do. I think it is also very important to use pictures with the younger students, because I find that it engages them more. Make sure that your page is very organized and easy to navigate, because you never know how computer savvy your students or parents may be.
I would definitely recommend current or incoming teachers take a look at this article. I know that I am not very computer savvy, but this could sure help you put something together. It helps you to think about the little ideas you might have forgot to add to your page.

Do you think teachers should use websites in their classroom to communicate?
I do. I think it is very important to keep in contact with your parents and students. A lot of times people forget to check their e-mail, and yes, they might forget this web page as well, but I think it is good for both the parent and student to be able to access.

Would you add any steps to this article?
No. I think these five steps are right to the point. They might be basic, but they are concepts you may have never thought about.