In the summer of 2016, Google introduced a new version of Google Sites, called "New Google Sites." Much like Classic Google Sites, New Google Sites allow users to create their own websites. For my "Teach-A-Teacher" project this term, I decided to teach our high school's chorus teacher how to make her own website using New Google Sites. While Classic Google Sites is still functional, I appreciate New Google Sites primarily for its ease of use and modern look. For my "Teach-A-Teacher" project this term, I decided to teach our high school's chorus teacher how to make her own website using New Google Sites.
Many teachers at our school have Classic Google Sites websites. These websites are helpful resources for students, but they also look outdated. However, with New Google Sites, teacher websites can be helpful and sleek. On New Google Sites, you can customize the theme, the heading picture, and add the logo. While I was teaching the Chorus teacher how to use the New Google Sites, I demonstrated how to make a website by giving her a live demonstration. The resulting website (with the few edits that I made) still looks nice.
It's fairly simple to make a website using New Google Sites. For example, you can simply drag and drop elements to put them onto the website or to move them around a page. Here are some tips:
- Imagine that you are making a poster. A website is basically a poster, so try to arrange elements in a way in which they would make sense and fit together nicely. Don't be afraid to move elements around.
- The elements that you are going to use most often are the four icons, as seen at the right. Text box allows to include text in your website. While writing in it, just pretend you're writing in a Google doc. Images and uploads are self explanatory. The Embed element allows you to include links to other websites and even Youtube videos.
- When moving between pages, just use the navigation bar. This could be located across the top of the page, or there will be a box with three small lines at the top left corner, depending on how you edited it. You can edit navigation by clicking the small gray gear at the top left corner.
Even with little technology background, the chorus teacher whom I taught was able to pick it up quickly. I made it a point to show her how to include Youtube videos and edit the calendar. When she completes her website, her students will be able easily access the recordings that she selects from Youtube. Also, since she can link a personalized calendar to her website, her students will be able to keep track of due dates and concerts.
Many teachers at our school have Classic Google Sites websites. These websites are helpful resources for students, but they also look outdated. However, with New Google Sites, teacher websites can be helpful and sleek. On New Google Sites, you can customize the theme, the heading picture, and add the logo. While I was teaching the Chorus teacher how to use the New Google Sites, I demonstrated how to make a website by giving her a live demonstration. The resulting website (with the few edits that I made) still looks nice.
Overall, New Google Sites was easy to learn how to use and teach others how to use. The Teach-A-Teacher project not only gave me the opportunity to practice my teaching skills, but it also gave me the opportunity to improve our community in a small way. I hope the skills that I equipped the chorus teacher with will give students in our district tools that will aid in their education.
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