Google Sites Rock!

The development and maintenance of a website used to be an expensive and complicated task that was not really embraced by many teachers.  The financial constraints alone posed a huge discouraging factor.  Creating a class website or page is now easier than ever.  Teachers now have the ability or organize and routinely update content, assignments, videos, and presentations for students in an easily accessible format for free using Google Sites.

Mr. Keith Devereaux, a science teacher, at New Milford High School, has been using Google sites over the course of the year to establish an information portal to the classes he teaches and as a way to develop engaging learning activities on particular topics.  You can view his main site here and one on electricity/magnetism here.  His AP Biology students are currently creating a Google site on the systems of the human body.    Certain coaches have also begun to create Google sites for their teams.  Mr. Greg Kelly, NMHS Physical Education teacher and track coach, created a Google site for the track and field program.  Here are some quick reasons why I feel teachers, coaches, and club advisors should have a Google site:

Google sites are also a great resource to use when delivering professional development.  Keith and I used a Google site during a March presentation on authentic-based learning environments and web 2.0.  Multiple Google tools and activities were inserted into the site, which was accessible to the participants before, during, and after the presentation.  The recent Google Teachers Academy for Administrators also used a Google site for the one day training. 

I think I have done a pretty good job outlining reasons why I think Google sites rock!  Please share any additional ideas you have in the comments section. For more Google app resources visit my Delicious page.