Talk+Site+Design+2008

Topic 2: Site Design 3/05/08
Looking at the Site Maps of your peers, what seem to be the most important criteria for organizing a website for instructional use? Come up with 2 to 4 good rules to follow when creating the organizational scheme for a website. Analyze the site organization of the person who is immediately above you on the course roster/ people page. Write at least 2 positive aspects of their design and at least 2 possible problems/improvements.

6-14-07 - Site Design - Andrew Moshirnia
This is a template post, follow this scheme when posting/

3-5-08 - Site Design - Laura Draxler
When organizing a website for use by students, the most important thing to consider is ease of use. The links should be clear, concise, and not too many in number. The students also need to be able to know where everything they need is located and how to interact with the site in order to satisfy teacher expectations. A good rule to follow would be to make links short and simple. Each link should make sense as well as the information contained by those links. For example, an "assignments" link should have a place for current assignments as well as an archive section. You wouldn't put something like the class syllabus under the assignments link. Another good rule is to have a place where parents can access any course information so they can keep up with what their student is or should be doing for the class. Having the course syllabus and expectations in a clearly labeled link will ensure that the parents are on the same page with you.

Alex's site design looks really great. He doesn't have too many links, and the links he has are clear with everything listed beneath them related to the link above it. I really like that he has organized the archive of class notes by chapter, making it really easy for students to quickly get the specific information they need. The only thing I would change would be to remove the "parent resources" link beneath the "parents" link and just put the contact info and school policies beneath the main parents link. Also, the same thing for the technology link. I would just put the how to guides directly beneath it instead of using unnecessary links to lead to them.

3-5-08- Site Design- Samantha Rist
The most important thing about designing an instructional website seems to be simplicity and navigability. You do not want to confuse your students/audience by making links and sites too complicated. Rules: 1) Do not give long titles to initial links; be brief and to the point so users know what they will find when they click; 2) Don’t get too fancy, as pictures and fonts may help users know where to go initially, too much frill could be confusing or distracting; 3) Do not have too many main categories, as it could also get too confusing or possibly redundant. Amy’s organizational map is great. She used different shapes for the categories, and kept her top-link titles short and sweet. Perhaps she could have used a couple of images or icons to jazz it up a bit, but, as mentioned above, not too much or it would be overdone, and take away from the general purpose of the site map.

3-5-08- Site Design- Ryan Durant
The most important thing when creating a website for student use is to make it easy for the students to find the necessary relevant information. There should be clear and concise headings telling the students where they are navigating throughout the website. Also relevant information should be provided on the different pages, so students are able to find the necessary material easier. I think that easy navigation is most important when creating a website for student use.

Alissa’s site map is pretty good. She has clear headings for her links, and she doesn’t have too many links. She has pictures that relate to the link that will help students know what material is found on that page. I like that she had two discussion boards, one for students and another for parents. The parent discussion board seems to be there for any questions they may have about what is going in their child’s class, but it doesn’t specify if the teacher or other parents answer questions. Something I think would change is having a digital drop box under a link for the syllabus, as well as a schedule calendar under the same link. If I were looking for a digital drop box I would not think to look under syllabus first. So I would say she should think about renaming one of the main links as syllabus to something else.

3-5-08 - Site Design - Stephanie Filardo
The most important criteria for organizing a website for instructional use are: 1) Clear section names, 2) No more than 7 sections, and 3) Keep it simple. These will ensure that the navigation is easy to use and understand. Alex Rock has a lot of good information on his site map and it is very detailed with the lower levels. The names for each section are clear so there is no question as to what you will find when clicking a link. There are some sections which could logically be combined to reduce the number of sections (such as “Tests” and “Quizzes” or “Chemistry tools” and “Help”). For ease of viewing the map, it would also be useful to have the different levels denoted in different colors and shapes. In general, I could see a problem with posting grades on the website as that brings up issues with privacy.

3-7-08 - Site Design - Travis Lindeman
Some good rules for making effective site designs, as a collective consensus from the sites that I observed are: 1) Consist data patterns when navigating to lower levels of links, i.e. icons that relate info in a subcategory to a higher subcategory. 2) Making sure that the amount of subcategory levels is not confusing or more than three levels at any time. 3) Making sure that subcategories serve a good purpose for being in lower levels of the site map, this will decrease the amount of unnecessary links.

Due to the order, I cast judgment on Lindsey Jone's site: I like the consistent numbers in sites included under the green level of categories, it makes even the inspiration image look like a carefully crafted mosaic. It is all very clear to understand and data should conceivably be easy to find without expending a lot of time unnecessarily clicking around the site to find information. It's very difficult to critique this site because it is so well made, but I would have to challenge the need for a subcategory if there is only one item being entered as a subcategory. Otherwise, it is nicely made.

3-5-08 - Site Design - Chase Ketchum
One good organizational technique when developing a new website is to make sure that there are not too many subcategories. If a person has to click on more than three or four different links in order to get to a particular page, the design of the site is flawed. Another important aspect of website design is to make sure that you do not have too many categories. If you have more than five or six categories, it could be easy to confuse people who are trying to navigate the website. The final technique to developing a good website is to make sure that everything fits in its proper place. You shouldn’t put a page under a heading that doesn’t make sense. You shouldn’t have a page entitled, Homework under a link that is called People. The way you manage the website should make common sense.

The web site map above mine is good in that there are not too many subcategories. Students will not have to navigate through a bunch of pages in order to find what they are looking for. I also like how she has basic headings for each class she is going to teach along with information and fun. These are the most important aspects of the course so it works well to have them as the main headings. Every aspect of the website can fall into these categories. The biggest flaw I find with the design is the fact that there is no place where she posts homework assignments or projects. If a student has a question about an assignment, where are they supposed to go? Another problem I have with it is the fact that there is no place with outside homework resources. There is a link to fun games, but there are not any links to websites that could aid them in their assignments.

3-5-08-Site Design-Sarah DuPree
After looking through everyone elses ideas on making a website for students i think the most important thing to entail is accessibility. Overall many people in class seem to think that it is important to make the webiste conventional and easy for studetns to understand. The website ideals should have a basis to work from and have many tools to help students navigate throughout the site. A good idea when designing a site for students is make sure to keep it simple and not confuse. A good technique would make sure the links are kept short, a place for help for students or parents, and make sure the site is straightforward in the use of it without putting extra things within it. Overall a site for students that is easily accessible will probably bring about more use on it and students can better understand its importance. When looking at Richards site design ideas i think they are very thorough and have good goals for students. The site seems pretty organized and hopefully students will be able to use it, also i like how he has the link for helping students. To make this site desgin a little better though it might help if he had a way for parents to see it and understand what's going on, also the sublink can kind of be confusing as to their use. Overall i think the site will help students and it seems very accessible.

3-8-08 Site Design- Alex Riemann
There are a few basic rules that we should follow when we organize our sites. One of the most important rules is making sure that it takes three or less links to get to specific information. Users should not have to open up a bunch of different links to get the information they need. A second rule to follow would be to make sure that topics are easily identified and we need to make sure our users can find the information they are looking for. Finally, we need to make sure we label our links correctly. Links should have concise names that the user would easily be able understand what is in that link. Ryan’s site organization displays all of the important rules mentioned above. His site is very easy to navigate through, his links have appropriate names, and it doesn’t take more than three “clicks” to get to all of the information. Ryan could maybe include what would be under the technology help page, and you also don’t have to make an announcements page, announcements could be directly on the home page.

3.09.08 - Site Design - Lindsey Jones
There are several things to be aware of when designing and organizing a website. The first one is that is should be very clear. The users should not be confused about which category to click on when trying to find information on your site. They should be able to figue out which category o rtopic to click on when looking for someting. The next rule is the less clicking the better. This means that is should be fairly simple. The users should not need to go through several areas/topics in order to find what they are looking for. This makes navigation through your site simple and not complex. I believe Sarah's site organization follows the rules I metntioned above. He site design is very clear. Her students should not have any problems navigating through her site and finding the information they need. Also, she has about four clear main categories. This is good because it is simple and does not over saturate her students with too many options when deciding where to go. One suggestion for her would be to maybe make to difference between simple assignments and projects more clear. They are in the same main category, and it may be a good idea to make a better distinction between the two. Also, I was just a bit confused when looking at her technology help. It looked as if she just had links to websites. I'm not sure what those website would help the students with in the technology area. Overall, it was very good.

3-5-08 – Site Design – Amy Gress
When designing the layout of an instructional website that will be used by students, the most important things to consider are easy navigation and simplicity. The links need to be clear and concise and not difficult to understand or negotiate through. If you make the links and such too hard to navigate, then it is probable that you will confuse and frustrate the students, your audience. 1) Make your link names short and they should be able to let the user know what they will find under that link. 2) You should not have too many links because that may confuse the user as to which link they need to pick to get the right information. 3) Also, you should not make it too fancy; too many pictures and too many different fonts may confuse and/or distract the user. 4) It also seems to be a good rule of thumb to have a place for parents to look to see what there child has been up to and ask questions. Morgan’s site design was well planned with short, concise names and the levels of the site were well distinguished by different shapes. I thought that she could have distinguished the levels by colors as well to make it even easier to distinguish. But overall, I thought that the site was well designed and clearly stated where everything could be found.

3-9-08 - Site Design - Sarah Peterson
Most people seemed to keep their maps as clear and simple as possible, which is a good organizational tool in design. Having too many or too few choices can confuse users. Another important aspect to people's design is a place for students to find help. Be it help with technology tools, difficult areas within the subject, or simply help for assignments. Providing help and support within the wiki is a good idea so that students don't get discouraged.

The person above me included a lot of detail in their map. I liked that there was links for the technology tools the students would be likely to use. Also, the categories were clear as to where I could find the information I was looking for. However, there seemed to be a lot of material within the categories which made it hard to know where to look since there were links to certain thing in more than one place. Also, there was a travel section but no calendar included. I think that it would be good for parents and students to have a monthly calendar with up coming travel in order for them to prepare and change their schedules.

3-9-08 - Site Design - Erin Cook
When creating an organizational scheme for a website, the most important criteria seems to be that the links are titled clearly to eliminate any confusion about where they might lead, and to make all information availble to the students and parents using the site. The map for the site should be designed so that the student can easily predict where the link might lead. The student needs to be able to easily access any information they might need. Clear and concise titling is key. The resources on the website should be relevant and useful to the students and their parents. The point of the website, after all, is to foster student success. Laura's organizational scheme was very good. All of her links were clearly and relevantly titled. She seemed to have useful resources for the student. Although any negatives were hard to find, one could be that the title of the link "handouts" could possibly be a little clearer. Also, some information seemed like it could have been condensed under one category instead of two seperate ones. These changes might not even be necessary--her scheme is pretty good!

It is important to design an instructional website is to make it simple to use and navigate for both students and parents. The link titles need to be both concise and clear. They need to have titles that make it very clear as to what the pages are used for and what information can be found there. Also, there need to be as few steps as possible to get to each page on the site. This makes the site easily navigable and accessible. Erin’s site map looks very straightforward and simple. I like that the pages are organized in to as few categories as possible, that way it would not be too difficult for students to navigate. The page titles mostly seem clear as to what information would be found on each page. One thing that I would add would be to make some sort of archiving system for the Daily Summaries page so that students could easily find the summary of a class that they missed or needed to review. Also, I’m not sure what would be found under the sub-heading ‘Teacher Tips’, so I would make that specific, such as ‘Technology Help’ or whatever the teacher tips are going to be about.

3-5-08 - Site Design - Grant Noble
2 to 4 good rules to follow when creating the organizational scheme for a website

1.The user should not have to go through more than 3 links in order to reach the desired content. -It’s frustrating for a user when they have to constantly search for the materials that they came to the website for. Users shouldn't have to click on more than 3 links in order to find the desired materials.

2.Keeping content and organization simple is best. -Using big words and technical jargon is not a good idea for a commonly encountered website. Users won’t know what you are talking about and the website will be rendered useless. When material is simple to understand, users may utilize the website through navigation with ease.

3.Provide a way for users to reach you. -The author of the website should be no secret. Make yourself available to your users. They may even offer up useful suggestions in order to help improve your website. Also, this way, users are able to contact you if they encounter any problems.

4.Differentiate sections of the website (i.e. color schemes, graphics, ect.). -Color coding your website is a good idea. This will help users associate certain sections of your website with different colors. Colors are not the only differentiating factor that may be used, but it is the most apparent. Overall, this will make your website easier to navigate.

Chase Ketchum

2 positive aspects of their design 1.The design of his website is extremely comprehensive. 2.Utilization of technology in a math class (other than a calculator).

2 possible problems/improvements 1.Once information gathers, split this wiki into many wikis for simplicity’s sake. 2.Add a portion where students can explore possible careers in mathematics.

Site Design Alissa Ramsay 3/10/08
4 Important things to consider when making a website for your class. 1) Making sure it is easy to use for both the student and their parents. 2)Having fewer than 3 links towards a desired destination. 3) Having a place where students can get help with their homework. 4) Having an easy way for the students and parents to contact you. I really liked Samantha's page. It was really easy to navigate and fit all my criteria on what would make a good website.

Site Design Courtney Mense 3/12/08
Looking at the site pages it seems like organization is the most crucial aspect of each. Even if there is a lot of good information present, it doesn’t necessarily mean that students will be able to access it if they struggle to navigate the page. In order to be efficiently organized a site should stick to the following rules or variations of them:
 * 1) There should be a universal toolbar, either along the left hand or top side of the page that provides links to everything. Multiple toolbars that require finding the correct corresponding link that brings you to another toolbar or database that requires another link is too inefficient and confusing. One toolbar.
 * 2) The color schemes and pictures or icons or whatever shouldn’t be over the top and distracting or cluttery. Straightforward, easy to read, uncomplicated tags will cause the fewest amount of problems. Simplicity is best.
 * 3) Using layman’s terms is necessary for students who won’t have as accelerated a vocabulary. It’s hard to remember sometimes that students are younger and less educated.

Stephanie’s page is nice and simple. The headings are bolded. She provides relevant information without droning on. She has included a Table of Contents. She includes a link to her projects and also posts many of the texts as well. Presumably if the link doesn’t work. She also included her inspiration file and a picture of it as well. It was very straightforward and simple. I have an increased appreciation for her for sure.

Site Design Stephanie Heady 3/12/08
After looking at a lot of the site maps it is clear that what people deem most important is really subject based. For example for some people, like Carolyn's Wiki Site, technology use is the most important, as opposed to others who have announcements and assignments are the most important. Some important rules to follow when creating the organizational scheme for the website are 1) Make it easy to navigate, 2) Make it multi functional so that no matter what kind of student you have they are able to use the Wiki, 3) Make sure that the color scheme is not too overbearing.

Courtney's site design is very straight forward. I really like the organization and the fact that she does not have anything that she does not need on her design. Having said that she may want a few more tabs, and maybe include a picture of her instructions if she needs them on her actual wiki.

3-12-08 - Site Design - Alex Rock
Two qualities that I believe should be taken into consideration when organizing a website would be to make sure that it is easy to navigate, and that everything has a function that is as concise as possible. In web design I believe that the simpler the better. The links that direct the student to the different sections should be accompanied by an icon that is fitting for the context. Further, the context under each heading should be logical so that students can easily navigate their way to the resource they need. Laura’s site design clearly had the two objections mentioned earlier in mind when designing her website. Her links are concise and clear, which is user friendly for students. I believe that nearly any student would have very few difficulties navigating their way around her site.

3/13/08-Site Design- Morgan Riley
When designing a site, there are many things that you need to be aware of in order to make the site effective to most users. By looking at other peoples sites, there are a few things I concluded to be the most important. The first thing is to not put too many things on the page. Putting too many pictures, text, graphics etc. can make the page cluttered. This makes it hard to find things. The second thing I found to be most important is to make it easy to navigate. Make links simple and do not put too many. This can be confusing to some users. Make it easy to navigate no matter what type of student uses the site. The last thing I concluded to be important is to keep it simple. Make the information short and to the point. Most students do not want to read a ton of information. And also make your site easy to use for parents. The site is not only to benefit students but to parents as well, so make things useful to them.

3.28.08-Site Design-Carolyn Sears
Important Criteria for Student-Accessible Web Site Design: 1. Easy to navigate--you can get anywhere you need to go in less than three clicks. 2. Posting and interaction information explicit--it is easy to understand how the student is required to interact with the site and how to go about doing so. 3. All needed materials present--everything students need is right there on the site (links and all), they don't have to go other places to get needed information. 4. Viewable--all of the necessary elements are present, but there is not too much going on so that students gat confused or distracted. Stephanie's Site: 2 positive things: 1--It is very easy to navigate the site--it is clear where things are and how you get there. There is not too much information that it gets confusing, and how you get where you need to be is quite explicit. 2--The timeline page is set up very nicely. The assignment is very clear, and the example is very easy to understand and demonstrate how students should post their own assignment. This is a great way to display and explain this project. 2 possible improvement: 1-- I think that having all of the assignments on one page is nice, but I wonder if the big projects should be posted individually on the site navigation area (like the timeline). Because these will be more detailed and require links to tools, I think it would be good to give them their own tab to make getting to them easy. 2--Assignment posting is part of the Discussion Page. I think that this should be its own tab on the menu. It is confusing to have to go looking for it and I am not sure that it is logical to post it here. Maybe a link to it would be good since kids know this is one place they do posting, but I do think that it should have its own place on the site as it is a very important aspect of class.