I did a google search looking for
examples of school library websites using Weebly. I’m planning to use Weebly myself, so I
thought those would be the best examples to choose. I’ve found that I prefer fairly simple,
streamlined websites that have a title or a welcome at the top, and links to
pages on a horizontal bar just below the title.
One example I liked was this website: http://gmslibrarywebsite.weebly.com/. It is simple and uncluttered. According to
Reynolds (2014), using one or two fonts with different colors and sizes is a
way to create harmony and add emphasis (p. 43). I believe this website has
achieved this harmony. The main page highlights the current event going on at
the time, which is the summer reading challenge. Below that, there are quick links, such as
the library catalog. I think it’s useful
to have a catalog link very visibly to website visitors, since many people
coming to the site are looking for books. That’s one thing that’s always bothered about
my own high school’s website. You have
to click not-that-visible tab to get to the catalog. Another thing I like on the GMS library
website is that it highlights a new book on the front page. Also, it lists pertinent info like the
library hours.
Another good example is this website: http://bhslibrary.weebly.com/. The main page is uncluttered and has useful
information. As you scroll down, the images and links on either side are bilaterally
symmetrical, which Reynolds (2014) says be a desirable effect (p. 187). I like
the rolling picture bar right under the title.
Again, there is a link to the library’s catalog right there in a visible
spot. Links to the various pages are
clear as well. It has a big section
about summer reading to help give students ideas.
After looking at the various tools to
create websites, I think I’m going to use Weebly. It’s fairly intuitive and there are many
design options to help get you started. Once I really get working on my
website, I may change my mind. I looked at google sites, and while that seems
user friendly as well, I thought that the design elements were more limited. I checked out Wix.com and did not like any of
the design choices as they didn’t seem like they would fit well with an
educational library site. Other website design services did not seem
appropriate for the site I am trying to create. For example, Smore seems better
suited for a business or marketing, and school rack seems better suited for a
teacher’s class website.
Reynolds,
G. (2014). Presentation Zen Design: A simple visual approach to
presenting in today's world. : New Riders.
At the gms library site, check out the For Students tab!! I think it's interesting that we landed on the same two sites to explore and evaluate.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments about pod casts. On TED Talks, a young man talks about bullying and he recites a poem about bullying. It's powerful. I turned off the screen so the students could only listen. If they had seen him before they heard his talk and his poem, they might have judged his appearance and disconnected entirely. As it was, the students were able to empathize with the words and not the "image." You're right, listening without pictures is a skill(?) kids are not used to using.