Static Websites

A static website is one which has web pages stored on the server in the format that is sent to a client web browser (Wikipedia, 2009).

I sought out this definition because I really wasn’t certain just what a static website is. As it turns out, I have been viewing them for years!

The information on the website is presented to the user in a simple format with pre defined information. An example is a company using a static website to advertise its products and services using a variety of text, pictures, video and audio as well as interactive menus.

The information is the same for all users of the website and they must be satisfied with whatever content is on offer at the time. It is similar to a printed brochure and most businesses and services find it essential to have at least this presence on the web. When changes need to be made, generally the owner of the website will need to employ a graphic artist or similar web designer to make those changes.

An engaging task for students, particularly secondary would be to use some of the excellent products available to build a website. With set templates, students are able to tackle a task which they may have initially considered to be beyond their capabilities. Whilst building their webpage, they are also honing their IT skills and engaging in learning. Gratification is instant and fun.

Economics students could design and build a website for a local business as part of their assessment. They would be required to research the business and what its needs were in relation to building a static website and then progress through the steps to build it, with regular consultation during the process with their chosen small business. The teacher could organise some resources beforehand for students to access, and store them on line.

According to the theory of constructivism, learners create knowledge as they attempt to understand their experiences (Driscoll, 2000.) and they are actively attempting to construct meaning from the task. The above activity allows students to create knowledge as they work through the process of designing the website. The ‘customer’ for whom they are creating the web page represents an authentic purpose and outcome.

Best

Mia

References

Driscoll, M. P. (1994). Psychology of learning for instruction. Viewed August 17, 2009.
http://66.102.1.104/scholar?q=cache:5HZrx9Kfgl8J:scholar.google.com/+siemens+theory&hl=en

Image http://www.kettlewoodweb.co.uk/website_design.html

Wikipedia Website Viewed August 17, 2009 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Website