I used this title because that is the way it seems. I am going to go out on a limb as a newbie and say that there just can't be a right or a wrong when it comes to creating a web page. Just like it is said there is someone for everyone. There is a reader for any web page. While it is true that it must be interesting or eye catching, that is the beauty of the web. You can sit and read for a while and if you don't like it, you just move on. I was viewing the pages suggested by Dr. Bennett and I really thought the North Elementary site was just to busy and (forgive me) but boring while I really got into the Creekview one and wasted too much time searching around. But I tend to like the happy smiles and seeing peoples pictures. The more studious type person might rather see the list of programs right up front. I have also noted a big difference in the age of the school. Obviously if you are an elementary planner of a web page you would not be dry and over the children's head. I have even noticed a high school site that entices the students to join a poetry club at the end of the school year with a beach theme. After talking with the media specialist she says it really does draw them in because they are dreaming of the beach and summer reading. It's also a different take as they sit out on beach towels during lunch in beach clothes reading related poetry. The pictures on the media web page from the poetry site remind me of the pictures in Dr. Bennetts example of Creekview. You can actually see people having fun through the web site.
As some of us media specialist are older, we must learn how to link to their interests. I for one, do not watch TV. I have decided that I will have to turn it on once in a while to see the latest, greatest show or actor/actress. I will have to learn to use more bold colors, instead of my neutral look. It would be wise to engage the students help. They are usually more savy than adults and know what other teens want to see. Sooner or later after working with and viewing many other sites, I am sure I will get the knack of it-by then another technology may be looming around the corner.
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4 comments:
I agree with your comment, "that there is something for everyone," but some sites, you must admit, can be ridiculously too busy or plagued with ads and pop ups which take away from the true purpose and function of the web page. By the same token, some site looks like they were done by someone with little or no experience with technology. I think that somehow we should strive to strike a happy medium with designing web pages and that are clear, concise, and provide good visuals and functions.
What! You don't watch T.V.? But how do you make it a week without watching "The Office"???? Just kidding! When you've got a good book, or in our cases a lot of graduate course work to do, who has time? As far as media center websites go, I agree with you that it's hard to be a novice website designer and really get into it. Personally, I like the tips found in the article, "Building Web Sites That Work for Your Media Center." As media specialists it's important to keep our program goals and patrons in mind when planning our websites. At my school, one of the biggest hurdles my mentor had was getting the school's website set as the homepage for computers in the school. By having this, instead of Google, set as the homepage teachers and students are more likely to use the media center's web resources like GALILEO AND Nettrekker. Pictures and video clips also help make a website fun and interesting for students. By advertising activities and programs going on in the media center, outside patrons may offer to help fund or support future endeavors.
I agree--the design of web sites really is a personal preference. One's age, interests, and learning style will definitely influence his/her interaction with a site. The best you can do as the designer is to provide information that is relevant for your patrons and their needs. Of course, as the media specialist you should try to look through their eyes, which is easier said than done. The design should be heavily influenced by the age level. I have seen really amazing and really pitiful web sites at every level.
Most websites that are functioning have a purpose. I agree with you in that the grade level that your audience reaches dictate what you need to make your web sites look like. High school students are often going to look just for the information and links while elementary students are going to like more pictures and easier text. I hope to become a better web site designer before the end of this class. I think that a good web page creates a higher level of professionalism that not only other teachers can use but also parents and students.
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