Developer Notes are short reports/articles by the participants in our Web publishing mini-grant program. While there are many resources and "how-to" articles available to the beginning (and experienced) Web Designer, these articles, all of which are authored by adult literacy practitioners, look at the goals and purposes of Web publishing from an adult educator's perspective, and focus in on specific issues that members of this field have encountered while developing Web-based projects.
About: The Fortune Society ABE Computer Lab Web Site
Eric Appleton
The Fortune Society
New York, New YorkWhat Surprised Me
I found that I was not able to follow through on all the ideas that I had about the project when we began. I had brainstormed a ton of different ideas related to an Education Web site, but I found that it was best to keep it simple, proceed one step at a time, and follow from there.
I learned that the best way to keep students involved and motivated was to give them a structure to work in. We tried to do a collaborative project once before that was not completed. I took more of a leadership role this time and defined the deadlines, the major parts of the project, etc. Students helped me put this into practice. Before, I had asked the students to define the project, the deadlines, everything.
What Parts of the Training Helped
The parts of the training that helped the most were those that talked about planning. The HTML training was helpful for the students that I brought with me. It helped them be a part of the project.
For myself, I didn't need the technical training (HTML, FTP, image manipulation).
The Types of Support I Valued
Jana Sladkova gave me very good advice during the planning stages of the project. She was able to visit and look at the drafts, sketches, artwork, etc. and give feedback. [Editor's note: Jana is a member of our Web Publishing Committee.]
How Project Collaborators Felt
Students and staff have been enthusiastic about the site. Most students who have been published were able to see their work on the Web.
On the other hand, we have a lot of staff and student turnover in the last year, so not everyone has a clear idea of the purpose of the Web project and isn't necessarily promoting it to their students.
Our writing coordinator is now the editor for the site. He does a lot of the technical updates (after some training) and will be the contact for students and staff who want to publish on the site. I will be the technical contact.
I have also wanted to do some training for other staff to get them involved in updating the site and bringing student work to it.
Would I Do it Again
Absolutely. We would still not have an education Web site if not for [the mini-grant].
Tips For Other Teachers
- Keep it simple. Planning is the most important part.
- Involve your students. It's not that hard. You can build a Web page, register for hosting, and upload in an hour.
- Learn some of the technical part, but don't obsess over it. Content is the important part. If you have pretty pictures and no content, no one will go to your site.
- Update your Web page once a week if possible, even if you are just updating names and phone numbers and upcoming holidays. People need to know that someone is home. Get into the habit of it. This is really important. What is the use of building a Web site that doesn't get updated.
- Train your peers. What happens if you leave? There has to be someone who can do what you do.
Submitted August 13, 2001
