Weebly
Description: Weebly is a free website creator that allows any type of person (i.e., teacher, entrepreneur, student, parent, etc.) to create a website through an easy drag and drop method. Weebly allows the user to create a website and/or blog embedding words, pictures, videos, etc. in their personalized creation. There are many educational purposes to implement a Weebly. Educators can implement a classroom website for their students and parents or even a site to connect with other professionals in their field. Weebly is a free site but it does have its limitations. If you are looking to create a site that is password protected you are going to have to pay. There is an option to pay $39.95 for the Weebly Pro which has more options that the free Weebly (which this review is made on). Look here for more options provided by Weebly Pro.
If you are interested in getting more information on how to create a Weebly look here for tips.
Accuracy of Content: The content on this website is appropriate for a variety of ages. If used with students it would be recommended for students to be supervised by an adult. The content on Weebly is easy to read, straight-forward and accessible to those who are interested in creating their own website. There are step-by-step directions provided so that any level of "techy" can follow along. The design of pages is simple and creators choose which design they like and bring it down to the empty template. Users may then choose if they want only text, text with title, image only, or picture with text.
Technical Quality: Weebly is very easy to access from a variety of locations. For the convenience of the creator, Weebly is compatible with both Mac and PC computers. It is also accessible through iPads and iPhones making it easy for users to access on the go. Weebly is a tool that a variety of users can access with ease, including people who consider themselves novices at using technology. If you are interested in creating a website for the first time Weebly is a wonderful tool to use. Considering the format of Weebly is a drag and drop method it is plain to see that students would be able to use this tool, obviously with a little teacher led instruction to start their project.
Use of Technology: Implementing the use of Weebly in the classroom can enhance a teachers repertoire because it allows students to become engaged in their work while using multiple intelligences. Students are able to use their conversation skills and combine them with their web 2.0 skills to showcase their learning as well as engage in conversations with others. In the typical classroom, students and teachers are extremely busy and have little time to share their learning with other students and peers. Weebly allows for a grand conversation to occur even if classrooms are far apart from one another geographically.
Keep in mind that this review has been written on Weebly. Take a look around the site and see what you think about the layout, format and features provided.
Weebly may be used in the classroom for:
-blogging among students
-updating students and families about classroom assignments
-compiling resources for students to use from home
-creating a place for parent communication
Role of Students: Students have the opportunity to take responsibility of their own Weebly. When students become acclimated with this tool (after explicit instruction from the teacher) they really have the chance to express their creative freedom. Young students will need a bit of guidance in the beginning but will quickly catch on to the format. Yet, if Weebly is being used with upper elementary students and older it is feasible that they conduct much of their own work with little guidance and assistance from the teacher.
Role of Teacher: Depending how a teacher plans to use this tool in the classroom the role of the teacher changes accordingly. The teachers role with young students is relatively large. Young students will need a great deal of guidance in how to create their pages and what content to place on each one. While implementing Weebly with older students teachers will have to introduce the website but will be able to take a step back once the students become comfortable with using the simple drag and drop technique.
Classroom Usage: Creating a classroom website is the easiest way to implement Weebly into the classroom. Students can share their learnings with those in the school as well as their families and friends outside of the school community. Teachers can also post pictures of students working and exploring in the classroom on the class website to show parents the daily routines and projects occurring in the classroom. Another fabulous component of Weebly is that students can begin blogging with their teacher and classmates. There is a page where you can start a classroom blog, allowing students to practice their discussion skills, as well as typing capabilities.
Critical Summary: Overall, this tool is very helpful, informative and user friendly. It is easily accessible to students as well as adults. The content is straight-forward and in a good sequence so the steps taken by the creator flow well and in a logical way. The site is logical in the way it is formatted and users will be pleased with the simple drag and drop method.
Overall Rating (on a scale of 1 to 10): 9
Explanation of Rating: I am very pleased with the Weebly site. It is a fabulous source that allows even the simplest of webpage users to create a website. It is user friendly and very visually appealing (not too much so that the view has a visual stimulation overload, yet not too little either). Weebly is good for students to use as well as adults in relatively any field. I would strongly recommend using Weebly in the education world.
If you are interested in getting more information on how to create a Weebly look here for tips.
Accuracy of Content: The content on this website is appropriate for a variety of ages. If used with students it would be recommended for students to be supervised by an adult. The content on Weebly is easy to read, straight-forward and accessible to those who are interested in creating their own website. There are step-by-step directions provided so that any level of "techy" can follow along. The design of pages is simple and creators choose which design they like and bring it down to the empty template. Users may then choose if they want only text, text with title, image only, or picture with text.
Technical Quality: Weebly is very easy to access from a variety of locations. For the convenience of the creator, Weebly is compatible with both Mac and PC computers. It is also accessible through iPads and iPhones making it easy for users to access on the go. Weebly is a tool that a variety of users can access with ease, including people who consider themselves novices at using technology. If you are interested in creating a website for the first time Weebly is a wonderful tool to use. Considering the format of Weebly is a drag and drop method it is plain to see that students would be able to use this tool, obviously with a little teacher led instruction to start their project.
Use of Technology: Implementing the use of Weebly in the classroom can enhance a teachers repertoire because it allows students to become engaged in their work while using multiple intelligences. Students are able to use their conversation skills and combine them with their web 2.0 skills to showcase their learning as well as engage in conversations with others. In the typical classroom, students and teachers are extremely busy and have little time to share their learning with other students and peers. Weebly allows for a grand conversation to occur even if classrooms are far apart from one another geographically.
Keep in mind that this review has been written on Weebly. Take a look around the site and see what you think about the layout, format and features provided.
Weebly may be used in the classroom for:
-blogging among students
-updating students and families about classroom assignments
-compiling resources for students to use from home
-creating a place for parent communication
Role of Students: Students have the opportunity to take responsibility of their own Weebly. When students become acclimated with this tool (after explicit instruction from the teacher) they really have the chance to express their creative freedom. Young students will need a bit of guidance in the beginning but will quickly catch on to the format. Yet, if Weebly is being used with upper elementary students and older it is feasible that they conduct much of their own work with little guidance and assistance from the teacher.
Role of Teacher: Depending how a teacher plans to use this tool in the classroom the role of the teacher changes accordingly. The teachers role with young students is relatively large. Young students will need a great deal of guidance in how to create their pages and what content to place on each one. While implementing Weebly with older students teachers will have to introduce the website but will be able to take a step back once the students become comfortable with using the simple drag and drop technique.
Classroom Usage: Creating a classroom website is the easiest way to implement Weebly into the classroom. Students can share their learnings with those in the school as well as their families and friends outside of the school community. Teachers can also post pictures of students working and exploring in the classroom on the class website to show parents the daily routines and projects occurring in the classroom. Another fabulous component of Weebly is that students can begin blogging with their teacher and classmates. There is a page where you can start a classroom blog, allowing students to practice their discussion skills, as well as typing capabilities.
Critical Summary: Overall, this tool is very helpful, informative and user friendly. It is easily accessible to students as well as adults. The content is straight-forward and in a good sequence so the steps taken by the creator flow well and in a logical way. The site is logical in the way it is formatted and users will be pleased with the simple drag and drop method.
Overall Rating (on a scale of 1 to 10): 9
Explanation of Rating: I am very pleased with the Weebly site. It is a fabulous source that allows even the simplest of webpage users to create a website. It is user friendly and very visually appealing (not too much so that the view has a visual stimulation overload, yet not too little either). Weebly is good for students to use as well as adults in relatively any field. I would strongly recommend using Weebly in the education world.