School Website Artifact Report

Vantage Point Campus Site---- (see it)

Problem

The Vantage Point web site was the problem. It was poorly designed. Pages were inconsistent, type in misalignment, graphics distracting… obviously I had criticism aplenty. I wanted to take on the project and improve our school’s web presence.

I began redevelopment of the site in the spring of my second year at Vantage Point with the help of two colleagues. The three of us comprised the web site committee; we mapped out the site as a group, ran it by other staff members, and received the "okay" from our principal. A major thrust of my effort was during the summer of 2000. I had proposed the site development project for elective credits in the ILT program, and it was approved. I built the pages, graphics, and templates. In the fall of the following year, one web committee team member took on the calendar area, and the other became highly motivated to learn Macromedia’s Dreamweaver to get her students’ writings published via the web. During that fall I continued major development, in fact I am regularly working on the site. It is an ongoing project, a constant work in progress.

Analysis

As a leading member of our committee I outlined initial objectives for our site, though we all contributed to the determination of what content was appropriate and relevant. There are so many uses for a school web site! We decided initially to provide information about our program and policies, and develop a showcase for student work. Ambitions to increase teacher and student use are ongoing and in the early phases. We recognize that there are as yet undetermined uses, and that we have to keep the project alive. We must maintain and increase investment from the school community.

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Rationale

I use the Internet on a daily basis, I am an artist and designer, I do web authoring. I just had to get my hands in the Vantage Point web site.

Although I wanted to do the production and creative work myself, I did not want to address this project in a vacuum. I often work collaboratively, and believe in democratic decision making. Therefore, I invited interested colleagues to participate in the project. I deemed a group effort as vital to the projects success. As the designer, I developed the look of the site and I submitted different versions to my committee-mates for feedback. We met on a semi-regular basis during the year, and discussed particular details informally, as needed, in person and via email.

Results

The Vantage Point web site is a solid piece of work. Take a look at the artifact. (see it)

Evidence of Value

I feel strongly that the Vantage Point web site is a success. I regularly receive email or survey results from parents giving me positive feedback. Students whose work is contained in the galleries or newsletter sections are very proud. Graduates write me to say how cool it is to see their work on the Web. Colleagues compliment me on the design of the site. My principal approves.

I have developed a close working relationship with my web site committee co-member, one of our Language Arts teachers. She has worked diligently, on her own and with my help to publish the Vantage Voice, our school newsletter on the site. I am blessed with a dependable and motivated colleague. This project has been a bonding experience for us.

Our school has a large number of new staff this year, and some of my new colleagues have indicated interest in using the site to showcase student work. This is a thing of value for the future of the project. I look forward to fresh input.

Reflection

Although an enormous undertaking, the web site project has been a fantastic creative project. I enjoyed every minute of it, and continue to do so. Some sections are static, other sections require upkeep, and so far it has not been overwhelming to maintain the site. In a way, I wish it were more demanding, because that would indicate greater use and development, something I look forward to.

I have a personal goal to increase the number of galleries. Thus far the best time to work on the development of the digital galleries has been during the summer. I’d like to create a mechanism that would make it easier to introduce new work on a quarterly or semiannual basis, much like the newsletter class is doing. Aha! A new project!

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ILT Responsibility Areas

#3 Uses a variety of media to deliver instruction to students and to engage students in learning.

My digital arts students are motivated to create work that will be included in the VPC digital galleries. The same holds true for newsletter students. The potential for publication engages students and challenges them to produce quality work.

#5 Manages complex projects and resources in support of learning.

A school web site is a very complex project. I have demonstrated strong leadership skills and professionalism in the management of the project. Our site is a resource for many of our stakeholders.