I recently returned from a technology conference that got me totally excited to experiment with new ideas in my classroom. I decided to implement customized, blended learning opportunities for my students by using a series of gameified “quests” that would be both rigorous and relevant. Within a week, I had mapped out plans for self-paced learning experiences; I had created a series of badges that would allow the students to “level up,” and I had created an elaborate, team-based game scenario where students could win actual prizes. I must say, I was rather impressed with myself at the time. Not only had I managed to design instruction that, when described, would incorporate many educational buzzwords, but I had created learning experiences that I was certain my kids would love!
| My next step was to actually create websites outlining the quests. I used Google Sites because it was convenient and easy. It didn’t take me long to put together several web pages. I was so pleased with what I had created, now there for the world to see on Google Sites. And then, as I was proofreading the sites I had designed, I realized that no matter how exciting the ideas, on Google Sites they managed to look INCREDIBLY BORING. |
My new sites had all the visual excitement of an office full of cubicles. Here’s a comparison: My husband believes that it’s perfectly acceptable to wrap Christmas presents by taping them shut in their original Walmart shopping bags. In my estimation, that’s probably not a particularly good idea. Nothing robs the holiday of all its joy like gifts wrapped in plastic Walmart bags. Likewise, Google Sites robbed my student activities of all their joy. Changing the background from maroon to navy blue can only take the look of your site so far.
I have spent this much time describing the problem so you can empathize with my AMAZEMENT and ELATION when Carol Roth showed me Weebly. After using it, I will never create another Google Site again. I would even PAY for Weebly rather than go back to Google Sites, but I don’t have to because the features I need are FREE.
Why do I love Weebly so much? Here’s a list:
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Instead of feeling apologetic about how blah and business-like my sites looked, I am proud to show my students the Weebly sites. The bright pictures and templates catch their attention, and I feel that I am able to organize my text and images in a way that really sells my ideas. The sites now help engage my students, rather than being a barrier to engagement. | |
The only major downside I’ve found is that occasionally Weebly has glitches. I have had to log out and log back in, and one day the free picture feature didn’t work. However, it soon was fixed, and restarting the browser has solved any other problems I’ve had. Weebly also doesn’t let you have the same variety of fonts that are available with other software. You can adjust the size and color, but you can’t combine two fonts like Arial or Georgia. I have to say that for me, the other graphical elements far outweigh the disadvantages of having to stick with the predetermined font.
Whether you’re an experienced technology user or someone who is new to website construction, I highly encourage you to give Weebly a try. I really think you’ll like what you can make with it, and I think it’s a tool your students will also be able to use to effectively share and present their work.