Beating a dead horse?????

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Sometimes I think I am because I talk about this topic so often. Maybe that's good. I never really considered it this deeply before and my files are a mess, so maybe it will take a few rounds of trial and error until I get it correct. So, on to today's problem.

I purchased my own domain for my classes. I've been using Wikispaces almost since I started teaching and they are shutting down this summer. Therefore, I needed a new platform for my class website. Also, I want to utilize my website more. I want to have it all set up this summer and it be a go-to for all my information. That was the idea this year and it didn't quite pan out, but I'm a little better laid out for next year. I have the vast majority of my curriculum on chalk.com so I have a far better idea of the pacing and units than I did previously. I think I can refine it this year and have a real curriculum I can work with. So the need for a website that houses everything becomes vitally important.  I also want a place where students can go to get things they missed or to check up on due dates and such. That, of course, means that I have to stay on top of it diligently and I'm hoping that if I have a website all set up it will be easier to maintain on regular basis. If I have everything there and it's just a matter of updating the calendar and loading things up, it should be maintainable. So that is my game plan. Also, students will be able to plan ahead. If they know what is coming up, they might actually be able to stay on track better. Now, my problem, how do I organize the website.

 The platform I've chosen is Wordpress just because it's so easy to use and update. Obviously, I will have a 'page' for each class. From there is where it gets messy. I was thinking of then having a subpage for each unit and putting all the information on the subpage. On the main page for the class, I could have the schedule so everyone (including me) knows when the labs and tests are. This would be an ongoing list that would change with each unit. Then each unit would have subpages for handouts, labs, notes, etc. So it would look something like this:


  • Course Title General schedule for the entire course along with any announcements
  •  Unit 1 Title Specific schedule for this unit 
    •  Handouts 
    •  Videos
    •  Labs 
  •  Unit 2 Title Specific schedule for this unit 
    •  Handouts
  •  Unit 3 Title Specific schedule for this unit
I think this will work. What bothers me is the repetition of information on the main page and the unit page. But, my students are not the quickest and having that information in front of them repeatedly might be a good idea. 

Next day:  I've let this sit on my computer (and in my brain) overnight and I just went back and reread it. I think what I've laid out here is going to be my best option. So I think today I will start gathering the required resources and start setting up my units. I think I will start with the remaining ones for the year and then over the summer, I can back-fill the early part of the year. Okay, at least now I have a gameplan. 

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