Development:
The website I have created through Google sites has already been approved by our team to be used, and is now being taken over by the project coordinator, which will then be implemented group wide. While setting up this site I learned how simplistic they need to be. i was modeling it after another districts website, and I feel their website is a bit overwhelming. So, even though I feel the website is very plain, it is easier to navigate. I also learned how to format the page, instead of having a side bar, i learned how to create the tabs on top. Which seemed so easy once I did it! But I love the look so much more.
Implementation:
As for the implementation, 9 teachers will have access to it. As we have dicusses earlier in class that can be worrisome some with too many people logging in. But I felt that that conflict will not happen very often, so we stuck with the Google sites. As for implementation, it is now being taken out of my hands – as a director for our program was just hired on. So she is taking the frame of what I have put together to complete the roll out of the site. At that point, all teachers will be given their logins and passwords. Also, instead of edublogs, it is being discussed whether teachers should use Edmodo instead. Overall I see this website being a complete success, once it is finalized!
Analysis
I will be creating a Google sites for the iRock (integrated Reading Opportunities and Continuing Knowledge) pilot program our district is implanting. I have just received the okay from the Superintendent of our district to move forward, and that teachers will be required to use this as a posting site. When teachers originally applied for the program, they agreed to post projects and keep the district and public informed of their progress in the classroom. Therefore the users will be the 9 teachers (including myself) involved in the pilot program, the district, and the public.
Teachers will be required to create a blog website (using edublogs) for their own classroom, and their blogs will be linked to the main iRock site. The iRock site will be modeled after the Escondido’s school district’s iRead site. Our site will include:
- Homepage with the program’s description
- Links to teacher pages/blogs
- Job Aid to teachers on how to create their blogs
- Links to student projects
- Data Page
- Projects Descriptions with project examples
- Calendar with meeting dates and project due dates
- Important apps being used across the classrooms during the pilot
- Teachers will have more specific apps on their own teacher webpages
- Link to help documents
- New Opportunities teachers have found!
- Community page
Although I don’t see too many performance drivers getting in the way, I think the biggest one would probably skills and knowledge. Most of these teachers are ready to do anything to make this program successful, as that was part of the agreement during the application process. However, not all of them have the best technology background behind them, yet all of them are ready to jump in with two feet.
Objectives:
- The district will be able to showcase their pilot programs to other districts (especially in the Silicon Valley) trying to implement the same thing.
- Teachers will be able to showcase their students projects, their triumphs and setbacks in the classroom.
- Teachers will be aware of what is expected of them at any point during this program.
- The community will be able to watch the success of the program, while also give their feedback and input of its future.
Design:
My goal is to create a site that any user can come to find useful ideas and tips on how to integrate the same project in their own district. They can see the teachers and students ongoing progress in the classroom, along with data and feedback from peers, students, and parents.
Teachers will be collaborating through the use of their own blogs – and sharing all of the final projects on the main iRock site. The main site offers a lot of collaboration opportunities including pages to update new things they are finding successful, apps they are using, and community page. The community page should be used as an opportunity for the Alum Rock community to give their feedback or ask any questions in regards to the program. All teachers can respond to those comments.
Development:
I will be using Google sites to create the main page, however each of the teachers will be using edublogs for their own classroom. There will be links to each of these features on the main webpage. Now, with the use of wikis on edublogs.org, teachers will have an easier time posting their projects as well. We will be using google calendars to link into the website for scheduling purposes, and more of a blog format (similar to this class) for our community outreach page, apps, and projects pages.
Evaluation:
I will be able to evaluate the effectiveness by the teachers posts to their own websites, and uploads of their class’s own projects. Another way to gauge whether teachers are using this as a collaboration tool, is if teachers are using apps, projects, strategies from another class (which they have read about in their blogs or on the main webpage), in their own classroom. Once teachers can buy into the benefit of their collaboration – it will resonate on the home page, which will hopefully resonate throughout the district and community. If this pilot program can be successful, and the community can buy into it – there’s a future for expansion, hopefully this website can help get the enthusiasm and creative juices flowing.
So I have three different ideas for projects, and I’m going to prioritize them with the top one being my most desired project.
| Project | Audience | Message | Tools |
| iPods/iPads in the classroom | - The 9 Teachers implementing the program- District officials, including the superintendent
- Other school districts and teachers looking to implement a similar model |
Teachers will have a place to post what their class is doing with the iPods, projects they are doing, and have completed. Teachers will also find this a way to collaborate with each other on possible ideas for future projects. | I would be using Google sites for this project. I would set up 1 page for the entire project, but a subpage for each individual teacher. I think the format should stay the same throughout the pages for an easier read. |
| Connecting with parents | - parents of my students in my classrooms | This would be a place for me to disseminate information to parents, along with keep a homework calendar for parents. I would to also include translations for my Spanish-speaking parents. I have tried something similar to this before, and I just couldn’t get it rolling with the community I work in. | I’ve used Google site for this previously and it is extremely easy to use and implement. If anything I would like to do some research on how to make this more effective, and get more parents to buy into this model. |
| Classroom Blogging by Students | - Parents of students in the classrooms- Other teachers from our campus
- District personnel |
With my students receiving iPods next year, I would really like to begin blogging with my students. Once again, this is something I did a couple years ago, but due to lack of resources (computers) it was halted. I would like students to use this in a way to work on their writing skills without being completely judged all the time. I would like this to be a journal for them, along with a place for them to post writing assignments. Another part of the project would be the feedback they will be giving and receiving from their peers. | I’d like to use edublogs or Schoology for this purpose. In 4th grade, there is a lovely state writing test, which means they need lots of practice with writing every day. This allows the student the freedom and opportunity to do so, along with fix their mistakes and hear feedback from their peers. |
Hey all,
My name is Lyssa Hughes, and here is three things about me you should know…
1. I have lab mix named Short Stop, who thinks she is lap dog.
2. I just returned from Universal Studios
3. I competed in 3 Junior Olympics for water polo, and two national competitions in college.
That’s all! 
Here’s a pic of my boyfriend and me on his birthday
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