Topic_2_Student_Page

= Topic 2 Student Page = = Using a CMS to Create a Website =

//** Student pages are for submitting your assignments. As a member of this wiki, you have permission to edit these pages. Please feel free to post reminders or important notes that might also assist other class members. **//

2.1: Virtual Field Experience
Realizing the power of WordPress (WP) Being able to actually see a WordPress (WP) end product is often very influential on those who have never considered using this tool before. //**This assignment will be very helpful when creating your ePortfolio.**//


 * Step 1:** Visit the We Love WP-Education Gallery at @http://welovewp.com/category/education-gallery Tour several of these educational sites, each of which has been made with WordPress.


 * Step 2:** In your field experience log, respond to the following:
 * Share what your initial reactions were when looking at these sites.
 * Additionally, pay attention to specific features that catch your eye.
 * What were these features?
 * Do these sites look more or less professional and sophisticated than the typical website made by educators?

strong graphics color grabbing some were too busy title was misleading huge scroll down screen ads broken links overlay with cutouts ||  || Survive Change - alternating animation Colorful - use of color Type of Fonts Size of Fonts use of frames (Column) ||  || Neat, organized & easy to follow Knew immediately the topic - subject recognition labeled well links easy to find graphically intuitive information was well-written, grammatically correct Use of fonts, color and style consistency content appropriate for audience ||
 * ====**Initial Reactions**==== ||  || ====**Specific eye-catching features**==== ||   || ====**Professional & Sophisticated Characteristics**==== ||
 * each was different



2.2: Discussion - Typical Traits or Characteristics of a CMS
Understanding what differentiates a content management system (CMS) from other web publishing tools will allow students to see that there are many ways to create websites. By understanding what a CMS is capable of doing; educators can better decide whether such a tool is needed for their educational publishing needs.

In-class discussion:

 * ** What are the typical traits or characteristics of a CMS? **
 * characteristics and tags usually on one topic
 * anyone can contribute and create on the web
 * ease of use
 * organize by page or columns
 * scalable preferences
 * anyone can contribute and create on the web
 * backup
 * control themes
 * plugins - add pictures, movies, sound, tables,
 * manage navigation - links
 * free
 * historical recall


 * **Which of those traits or characteristics would be important or helpful in an educational setting?**
 * characteristics and tags usually on one topic
 * anyone can contribute and create on the web
 * ease of use
 * organize by page or columns
 * scalable preferences
 * anyone can contribute and create on the web
 * backup
 * control themes
 * plugins - add pictures, movies, sound, tables,
 * manage navigation - links
 * free
 * historical recall


 * List the names of several CMSs.**
 * wiki
 * proto page
 * blogs
 * discussion
 * photo sharing/gallery
 * general purpose
 * ecommerce
 * social networks
 * eLearning
 * Collaboration
 * **Are any specifically geared to the educational setting?**


 * **Which of the plugins listed in the readings should be definitely considered for an educational site?**



2.3: Capstone ePortfolio

 * Create a Capstone ePortfolio Using WordPress (website 1)**
 * Instructions:** The components required for the ePortfolio template and steps for creation can be found in the linked document Using WordPress to Create Your Capstone ePortfolio. Once the skeletal structure of the ePortfolio is established, submit your ePortfolio’s URL (Uniform Resource Locator—this is your website address that appears in your browser’s navigation bar beginning with “http:”) to the Topic_2_Student_Page.

//Make sure that your address is a working link.// ||
 * ====**Student**==== || ====**ePortfolio URL**====
 * Curt || Waibelatregis ||
 * Faye || Faye's Portfolio ||
 * Joe || Joe's ePortfolio ||
 * Marcia || Marcia's ePortfolio ||
 * Michelle || @http://chris424.wordpress.com/mchristensens-ePortfolio ||
 * Mike || @http://mrlundy.wordpress.com ||
 * Betty || Betty's Page ||

2.4a: Similarities & Differences between WordPress.com & WordPress.org

 * Step 1:** Identify the similarities and differences between WordPress.com and WordPress.org.

blogging links page creation navigation customized URL incorporate widgets, plugins(pictures, video, tables) Style options look at the html privacy settings user friendly in-time changes
 * Similarities**

Differences hosted on Wordpress site design choices limited limited choice of widgets and plugins FREE for basic use || design software downloaded find your own host unlimited choices Widgets & plugins can be downloaded from multiple sites there is cost involved ||
 * Wordpress.com || Wordpress.org ||
 * design software online

Plugin/Widget definition site []



2.6: WordPress Analogies – WordPress Terminology Explained through Analogies
Check your understanding of new concepts by creating analogies for various terms used in this Learning Topic. These analogies will help you better grasp the true meaning of terms based on these comparisons. **//You will need to click the EDIT tab first.//**
 * //Formative Assessment: A Check for Understanding//**


 * ====**Student**====

//Type your names.// || ====**WordPress term**==== || ====**Analogy**====

//Write your analogies first in a word processing document you keep and cut & paste your analogies into the table.// ||