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Making Use of Your Classroom Resources
by Tamara Haspels

Students in every classroom in Pennsylvania can have the opportunity to apply their studies and address community needs with technology. For those classrooms with limited or outdated computers and software, consider “upgrading”. Visit Share the Technology, http://www.sharetechnology.org/, for more information on acquiring equipment for schools. Classrooms can also find various tools and organizations to support their efforts through TechSoup, http://www.techsoup.org/. With these tools readily accessible, consider how your students and computer resources can be used to address your community's issues and concerns.

Many organizations in your community would benefit from having a website but have neither the funds nor the resources to implement one. Students all over the world have demonstrated their ability to design and develop professional websites and have made a considerable contribution to their communities by doing so. Student-created websites can help sustain and promote community based initiatives and organizations. While students will typically have varying degrees of skill and experience with web development, the making of a website draws on a wide range of disciplines.

The topic or subject of the site can be selected to supplement the curriculum. The following areas are just some of the studies that can be integrated with the actual development of a website:

• Math – Websites can involve a practical application of math skills. Students may enjoy learning some web programming that involves math even while using a web editor such as DreamWeaver or FrontPage.
• English – The content and information architecture of the website involve writing, editing and publishing skills.
• Art – Web design can practically apply art and design skills.
• Geography and World Cultures – These areas could be addressed by identifying target audiences in different locations and learning to consider the needs and perspectives of these audiences.
• Business and Marketing – How are people going to find the site?

A successful website begins with a needs assessment. Look at what issue or issues would be constructive to address in your community and consider how a website could help meet these needs. Once the needs have been identified and the purpose of the website is clear, website construction can begin. Be sure to take advantage of the technical assistance made available to you through the World Wide Web:

TechSoup, http://www.techsoup.org/ – Technology tools and resources for non-profits including free domain names and website hosting

Share the Technology, http://www.sharetechnology.org/ – Computer recycling programs such as this one offer free computers for classrooms.

RankWrite Roundtable, http://www.rankwrite.com/ – Tips and strategies for web content development

Training Tools, http://www.trainingtools.com/ – Free online computer software tutorials

W3Schools, http://www.w3schools.com/ – Free Web programming tutorials

WebMonkey, http://hotwired.lycos.com/webmonkey – Web development “how-to” and “quick reference”

The following sites archive and demonstrate examples of what students can accomplish with their own websites. Consider submitting your students’ finished website to these locations:

What Kids Can Do http://www.whatkidscando.org/studentwork/YouthDirectory.html – An online directory of student websites

ChildNet Awards
http://www.childnetawards.org/ – View the previous winners and submit your own project.