Reflection
Ms. Hartney's Online Classroom Web site is created using the Angelfire Web authoring tool. Other tools were tested prior to selecting Angelfire's free service, but this tool is user friendly offering a variety of templates. It permits the user to insert HTML code within its templates tailoring the page to meet the user's needs.
Challenges emerged through the developing process inspite of Angelfire's built in support. The writer has minimal knowledge of HTML code and struggled to insert the code within the Angelfire template. It would be difficult for someone who had no knowledge of HTML to use the site. Since the service is free, the selection of template options is limited.
The problem-solving techniques used varied according to the challenge. For instance, the textbook provided many helpful hints about ways to design an effective site. The Learning Team members helped with a few questions about cutting and pasting into the site and how to add buttons. Posting to the Web server was not difficult because the Web-authoring tool also provides the server. Two areas that are still bothersome relate to the PowerPoint and eAssessment links. It is still unclear how to add links back to the Home Page rather than using the back button. Perhaps with a little more experience this will be solved.
Building your own Web site is a challenging yet rewarding experience. Yes, problems surface as do opportunities to connect with others who provide support. Many times the ideas presented by the instructor, textbook author or classmates have led to better and creative ideas that enriched the Web site. This has been an exciting adventure and will lead me to learn more about Web design. The site in the future will include ideas collected from my students. After all, it is all done to benefit them. Please contact me directly if you have ideas that would add a new dimension to this site.
