Web Publishing Policy

By

Jason Bates

Absurdly enough, our school does not have a web publishing policy. We claim to be one of the most technologically advanced schools, yet no such document exists. Every teacher in grades 7 – 10 is required to have a classroom web page, while other teachers are strongly encouraged. Reason for this is that these teachers currently teach with the laptop as a classroom tool. Every student has his or her own laptop. Each year, we will add a grade to both the upper and lower levels. We do have an AUP for the students, yet their are no established guidelines for the teachers. I never really thought about this issue before, but now, I think I may know why. Incidentally, I just called our Director of Technology and asked why we did not have one, and he did not think we needed one. Oh, oh, I think we are in trouble. That is the problem with our technology department; all they consider is amount of network space, and hardware. They have no clue about the educational aspect of technology. Anyway, my guess for the reason why we do not have a policy is because very few teachers even know how to post information on the web. They were given a template to start their classroom page, and have added little information ever since. That is the main reason why I was hired for new position as technologist. Looks like it will be my responsibility to establish such a policy.

Regarding the article: District or School Web Publishing Policy (WPP) by David Warlick, I hope to answer the major questions in my pursuit for establishing such a policy.

Why? & What? I agree that every WPP should include a statement of goals that should be accomplished. Our school web site contains a great deal of information, ranging from admissions, school mission statement, guidance and counseling information, faculty web pages, and MUCH more. It can be viewed at: Pine Crest School. Besides the AUP, the only other security measure that I am currently aware of is that the posting of student pictures or information is strictly prohibited. Students in the lower school have developed their own e-portfolios, however, there are hosted on a different server (Big Chalk). Funny, but you can link to these pages from our main page. Sort of defeats the purpose.

When? & How? I guess the ‘when’ is the interesting topic here. Many sites are updated frequently, especially regarding admission procedures. All sites except the faculty web pages are handled by our network administrator. The faculty web pages cause me great concern. Some teachers have not updated their page in two years, and no one has held them accountable. Boy do I have some hard work cut out for myself. One teacher has the words “I like Math,” as his entire web page. It has never been changed or been used by any of his classes. Parents are beginning to get upset because they are investing a great deal of money into the hardware for their child, but teachers are not using it productively in the classroom. I do not blame them. Again, this is where I will come in. Demonstrating to the teachers how easy their pages can be updated from either the classroom or home by using either Microsoft Word or Front page.

Anyhow, a stated and followed WPP is most certainly needed and within the next few months I hope to assist the proper people in developing one that can be followed by our entire faculty and staff.