Exploring Google Sites

Build a Classroom Website

Why Use Google Sites? One more Google Tool…you already have an

account

Features are similar to other Google tools

Easy WYSIWYG interface

Integrated with other Google tools, like Docs & Picasa

Like a wiki – can collaborate in building it

Why Use Sites in Education Easy to create school website Use it for school organizations (sports, PTA,

fund-raiser) Let students use it as a publishing tool

Tips: Create simple, static information

Team schedule School activities timeline Policies & Procedures

KISS (Keep It Super Simple)

Use Google Sites to: Create – web content easily Collect – all your information in one place Control – who can view and edit

Plan: club meetings and activities Share: information in a secure environment Collaborate: on a team project Stay Connected: with family and friends

A Few Examples

Let’s Get Started From your iGoogle page, click on More and

choose Sites

Create Your Site

Choose a Template & Name Your Site Not sure what type of site you want to create?

?

Make sure you use a name that is simple to type and remember

Choose a Theme Not sure what your site is about? Hold off on

themes until you are ready.

More Options… Create Site Describe your site Decide who can view it…I recommend making

it public

Enter code

Click Create site

Example: No Template, Patchwork theme

Now What… Know what you want to put on your site

BEFORE you start building

Create a rough layout/design of what you think you might want

Don’t be afraid to experiment…delete and start again.

Now What… Create a new page Edit existing page

More: See changes

Change template and URL Change site content, settings & appearance

Collaborate by Sharing the site

Simple…Remember Edit > Save Click on Edit page to change content

Click on Save to save your changes

The toolbar is similar to other Google tools

Add content to your siteUse the Insert menu to add items to your page

Use the Table menu to add and work with tables

Use Layout to determine number and layout of columns

Edit Sidebar… Manage site

Use Embed to add Web 2.0 content

Paste Code

Update

Templates for new pages

Put a blog in your website

Using an Announcements page lets you create posts, like a blog.

Adding Elements to your site

Picasa Slide Show Google Doc

Collaborate on the site… Share

Need to get back to your site? 1.

1. Visit your iGoogle Page

2. Go to More…Sites3. Click on your site4. Start editing