Teacher Webpages

Teacher web pages are quickly growing into one more resource teachers must have amongst their resources. A teacher web page is simply a website featuring information about a teacher, the class or classes he or she teaches, and any other information the teacher decides to add. Most teacher web pages are supported by the school district or specific school the teacher is in. The teacher can share personal information with students and parents, but most teachers limit this to a school phone number, email, and possibly office or classroom hours. Additionally, teachers can include essential course information such as a syllabus, rubrics for projects, worksheets, and notes. Many teachers have begun to include links to other websites too. For example, some teachers choose to include links where students can further explore topics discussed in class or locations where students can seek help with homework when the teacher is unavailable.
I do not have a teacher webpage as of yet, but I can envision what I would like it to look like. I plan to include contact information such as the school phone number, my school email address, and when I plan to be available before during and after school so that parents and students can both get in touch with me as necessary. I also plan to include a syllabus for each class I instruct for students to refer to. One unique item I would like to add is a link to students work that is exceptionally well done. Of coarse, I would have to gain permission and follow the proper channels in order to do this. Additionally, I want to include additional assignments students can complete if they decide to practice a certain aspect of the course further. Lastly, I will include links to resources used in class, as well as resources students might find helpful in completing assignments and projects.
Webquests, as with most things in life, have positive and negative aspects. One of the largest benefits is that as the prevalence of computers increases, websites become more and more accessible for students, which helps fill time when a teacher might not be available. Parents can also stay up to date on what students are doing at school, and can easily contact the school or teacher with any questions or concerns. However, teachers need to be careful when using a webpage. Giving too much personally information on a teacher webpage is unwise. Plus, any information given must constantly be kept updated, which can be a significant burdened coupled with the strain of regular teaching duties. Lastly, students might rely too heavily on a teacher’s webpage, which could cause problems if the student misinterprets information from the webpage or uses it as an excuse to not pay attention in class.