Web sites can offer a plethora of information to the public. Whether it is schedules, lesson plans/assignments, data, etc etc, it plays a part in the message we are communicating to the public. I don't think that can be argued. The challenge is a district has to find a way to staff the position with someone who is knowlegeable and has time devoted to make it work well on the school's behalf. $ is always a factor.
We had a .5 webmaster who also served as a music teacher in our district. We changed the role of that person to full-time music and provided the technology department with the responsibility of maintaining the district web site. Our web site is much more effective than six years ago, however, could get more appealing and informative.
I really like the idea of each teacher creating a website and posting their assignments and resources available. Specifically at our high school which is a 1:1 school, that would make sense. Like in DDN, making the updates needs to happen or it becomes more frustrating than helpful.
Providing a small group of high school students/technology class the opportunity to work with the district's web site can help with the staffing/time issue. While it may come with safeguards that need to be in place so security is not compromised, I like the idea and makes me think we should look further into that possibility.
Technology is great when it works. Web sites, like every other piece of technology, take time to learn, maintain, and utilize effectively for the good of students and the public. Heath
10/10 points
ReplyDeleteHeath,
The situation with your district, where a .5 webmaster was cut becuase of budget issues and the webmaster role turned over to the technology department is a great example of the challenges a district faces to create and maintain a school website. However, patrons are coming to expect information on the web, so districts do not have a choice about having a website. It is a key way to communicate with patrons and promote the district.
Joe