Exploring Google Sites
This week I explored the ins and outs of creating a website using Google Sites. Click here for step-by-step directions on how-to create your own Google Site. This application seemed difficult at first glance. I have to admit that I felt a bit overwhelmed about making a website (sort of) from scratch. Thankfully, the Google Site was creating application was relatively simple and straightforward. Sites allows you to tailor your website to meet your needs. They even had a template for educational use, which I found extremely helpful when planning and creating my Google Site. You can customize the background, template, and fonts. One thing that I really liked about the Google Site was the variety of font choices. I have a secret obsession with fancy fonts and it kind of kills me that blogger doesn't have any more than 7 font choices. Another thing that I thought was totally awesome about Google Sites was the fact that I could easily and quickly insert any of my Google Docs, Forms, Calendars, Presentations, Albums, and more. This is definitely time saving! When it comes to blogging or websites, I need it to be easily malleable. Anything that is too complicated makes me not want to use it because I am a BUSY person! Sites helps you out because it allows you to have quick access to all things Google. I had my website up and running much quicker than I anticipated. Now I have created a very functional resource for my students and parents for my classroom.
*If you are interested in giving it a try and need some support, check out this introduction to Google Sites video.
*Here are 5 great articles about using Google Sites in the classroom.
- Teacher's Guide on the Use of Google Sites in the Classroom
- How to Expertly Organize Your Classroom With Google Sites
- Soaring to New Sites: Using Google Sites in Education (Google Slides Presentation)
- Using Google Sites as Student and Teacher Portfolios
- Google for Educators: The Best Features for Busy Teachers (highlights other awesome Google tools for educators in addition to Sites)
Hopefully this inspires you to try Google Sites for yourself. It is a great tool that is easy to use and can serve as a great resource in the classroom.
-Mrs. Adkins
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