Using Google Sites to Create a
Classroom Website
EDTC 6325: Educational Telecommunications
UTB, Summer 2011, Instructor: Dr. Rene Corbeil
Instructional Designer: Eddie Mathews
Part 1: e-Learning Module Proposal
Introduction
Technology integration (TI) is currently a goal for every public K-12 classroom in America. TI
is something every teacher has heard referenced in many department, campus, district, and
regional meetings. However, for many teachers, TI is a difficult task due to the lack of skills in
using available technologies already at their campuses or the overall uncertainty of how to
implement those promising Web 2.0 tools in their instruction that they learn about in summer
workshops or at education-related conferences. One aspect of TI that has caught the interest of
several teachers at the middle school and high school level in our district is the growing need for
better communication tools as it relates to classroom instruction and department coordination.
In recent professional development classes offered by our district, a common thread emerged
during discussions that indicated a need for teachers to better communicate with their students
and with other teachers within their department. According to some teachers, the shift towards
student-centered learning has created a need for more effective communication on two levels:
first, between teachers and their students working in collaborative groups; and second, between
teachers and other teachers in their department so they can coordinate lesson plans and resources.
After a meeting with eight middle school and high school teachers, the suggestion of using a
website to accomplish their classroom communication goals was suggested by the campus
technology coordinator. Several classroom-based sites created with Google Sites were shown to
the teachers, serving as examples of what they could create for their respective classrooms. Due
to strong interest, an e-learning module aimed at training teachers how to create a website using
Google Sites is being proposed by the campus technology coordinator.
Instructional Goal
After completing this e-learning module, Kerrville ISD teachers will be able to create a
classroom-based website with Google Sites and use it to communicate with their students, guide
student collaboration groups, and coordinate lesson plans with department colleagues.
Course Objectives
Sub Goal 1: Learner will setup a new website using Google Sites
After completing this sub goal the learner will be able to:

Objective 1.1: Access Google Sites through ISD educational account

Objective 1.2: Create a new site using the Google Sites setup process

Objective 1.3: Choose the classroom template designed for teachers
Sub Goal 2: Learner will add additional pages and delete unwanted template pages
After completing this sub goal the learner will be able to:

Objective 1.1: Locate the “Create page” button and add desired pages

Objective 1.2: Name the new pages and link them to existing pages

Objective 1.3: Locate the “Delete page” function and remove unwanted pages
Sub Goal 3: Learner will edit and customize pages to reflect teacher and classroom
After completing this sub goal the learner will be able to:

Objective 1.1: Locate the “Edit page” button and edit all template pages

Objective 1.2: Edit the sidebar by adding, deleting, or moving items

Objective 1.3: Replace or delete example text on all pages and sections

Objective 1.4: Replace stock photos with personal and class-related photos
Sub Goal 4: Learner will upload class-related files to “Forms and Docs” page
After completing this sub goal the learner will be able to:

Objective 1.1: Locate the “Forms and Docs” page and edit summary text

Objective 1.2: Locate the “Add file” button and add at least one file

Objective 1.3: Delete the unwanted template files or replace them with real ones
Part 1: E-Learning Module Proposal
2
Intended Audience
The intended audience for this e-learning module is middle school and high school teachers of
the Kerrville Independent School District. Currently, there are around 150 classroom teachers at
these two campuses, ranging from 25 to 65 years of age. It is estimated that 10-15 percent will
participate if this proposed module is approved. Approximately, 5-10 additional staff members
from these two campuses, including curriculum deans and department chairs, are interested in
learning how web pages can be used in the classroom to promote self-directed learning among
students and improve communications among teachers within departments. The level of
computer experience varies among the target group but fairly typical of most 4A school districts.
Prerequisites to the class will be a basic familiarity of Google Docs and a verified Google Apps
for Educators account managed by Kerrville ISD Technology Department.
Learning Context
The proposed e-learning module is asynchronous by nature, meaning that it will be a self-guided
course. Each learner will have access to a district-issued computer in their classroom or office
that is connected to the Internet. The hardware and software on each computer will be more than
adequate to access the e-learning module that will be developed in an open-source courseware
management system (such as Moodle). Currently, the default computer setup is a Dell desktop
or laptop running Microsoft Windows XP, Office 2007, and Internet Explorer 7 or 8.
The motivation of the intended audience is rather high after a recent workshop on studentcentered learning taught by the high school technology coordinator. This reflects a readiness
within the school system for new classroom strategies involving proven technologies. With
Google Sites, the difficulty level of web page design has been significantly reduced to the degree
that once-reluctant teachers are now ready to learn how to create web pages.
The expected time frame to take this course is approximately three hours. This will yield a basic
website that looks professional and ready to use for classroom purposes. However, it is expected
that many hours will be spent customizing the web page before initial use (approximately 15-20
hours after completing the course).
Part 1: E-Learning Module Proposal
3
Summary
As school districts deal with more budget cuts and anticipate less federal money than in the past,
a creative and affordable approach to training teachers is now necessary. While summer staff
development workshops are still a strong part of Kerrville ISD’s plan to train teachers and staff,
the budget for conferences has been reduced to the point that fewer teachers will have an
opportunity to attend a yearly conference in the future. Kerrville ISD is looking more and more
towards in-district training scenarios that utilize resident experts on each campus and a collection
of Intranet-based tutorials. The timing is perfect for our ISD to consider using an open-source
courseware management system like Moodle for teacher training courses. More importantly,
regardless of budget constraints and training options, teachers still need tech tools that assist
them in classrooms filled with 21st Century learners. Google Sites is such a tool that promises to
be a welcomed solution for middle school and high school teachers.
Part 1: E-Learning Module Proposal
4