Do you want to build a website for your class but don’t know where to start? This guide will go over some of the common steps for setting up a clasroom website and things to consider before starting. This will help you get started, so your class can begin blogging in no time.
Choosing a Classroom Inspiration
The first step is selecting an Inspiration that suits your class. Follow these steps to view and choose from the selection of pre-built sites.
- Log into your Admin Dashboard
- Click Inspirations in the navigation menu.
- You will see a summary of the setup steps. Click the Let’s Get Started button.
- Many page styles will be displayed, you can choose a category to see different content options. Click them to see what they look like then click the Select button to choose one.
- Now you will choose a Pageset, the options are Base, Five page, and Kitchen Sink. You can click them to view and compare.
- Under the Add Functionality option, flip the switch if you want to use the site for a Blog.
- Click the Next button.
- Enter your contact and social media information then click the Finish and Install button.
Your site will then be created. It’s time to customize it for your classroom.
Customizing your Site
The Customize option in your Admin Dashboard includes most of the tools you need to make the site for your class.
- Changing Your Site Title
- Changing the Color Palettes
- How to Edit Pages
- Changing your Background
- Adding Pages
- Changing Themes
Add a Class Calendar/Schedule
An important tool for class websites is a calendar or schedule. Post assignment due dates, holidays, or even birthdays in a calendar so students, parents, and faculty can keep up with events. There are several options for adding a calendar to your WordPress site, these are some of the most popular.
Create User Accounts
If you want to allow access you can create an account for each user, or allow them to share a login.
Manage User Roles
User Roles or groups are a great way to limit access to specific pages or areas of WordPress. For example, you could create a Student and Teacher group.
Password Protect Pages
For security purposes, you may want to limit who can see specific pages or post. You can password protect pages so people can still access them after entering a private password.
Do you need a Learning Management System (LMS)?
If you are planning on using the website as a full Learning Management System (LMS), there are plugins available for this as well. Manage assignments, grades, schedules, transportation, and control access levels with some of the popular LMS plugins.
