Google Sites

I spent a little time this morning looking at Google Sites. It's not better than pbwiki, but it does allow you to set up a course page alternative fairly easily. You have some control over layout of page elements, colors and themes. You can define several different kinds of pages, including one called "File Cabinet," which works very well for uploading Word documents. You can change the hierarchy of pages relative to one another and a site map is automatically generated. You can make the site private or public, and further make it read-only or editable by all members.

Thoughts for my classes (Samira)

• I definitely want to use a wiki for my course page.
• I have always wanted to do more with the idea of "emerging technologies" and current events in technology with my students but time has been a problem. I could set up an article or video each week on the wiki and they would be asked to read/view and respond as a HW assignment.
• A Ning network or a wiki would be a great way to have the kids record their group work when they do their iMovie projects.