Welcome to this gateway to ISM students' own webpages, made during the 8-week SEM sessions in early 2009.

A total of 15 students (from the 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th grades) participated in this SEM, each bringing her or his own skills and dedication to the task at hand: making at least a few interlinking webpages, by hand (i.e., not using any fancy or expensive website-generating software). Rather, these resourceful and creative students learned how to create fairly simple—yet functional and attractive—webpages using readily available software (e.g., TextEdit, Notepad, MS Word) to get the job done.

While all participants clearly learned a thing or two about the inner workings of webpages, and seemed to have a good measure of fun while doing so, some were not entirely satisfied with their own finished products; therefore, only those pages submitted by participants are included here online. (Please see the links below.)

The entire process was not without a hiccup or two along the way, including one day when the term "technical difficulties" seemed an understatement. But most of the time the ISM Macs were fully functioning, and responding at a reasonably fast pace, allowing these SEM participants to work at a similarly fast pace—proving that they can be quick studies in a subject area that some people might consider a bit difficult for learners of their age.

Process and products:
Everyone was required to work collaboratively as well as individually, to create a "homepage" for their small team or pairing, as well as at least one individual page linking off of that. They were asked to create webpages that tell a bit about themselves (hobbies, favorite sports or other interests), and which include common website features or functions (hyperlinks; photos or other images, including background images; numbered or bulleted lists). Some went beyond such requirements, taking the initiative to include other features, such as interactive Comments boxes and the like.

They were also instructed about how to author responsible webpages, including the customary citing of sources.

Ultimately, though, the finalized versions of these webpages are the result of the participants' own work and various decisions. As such, they remain responsible for the design and content of their own creations.

See for yourself!   To take a figurative stroll through any or all of those student-generated webpages, simply click onto any of their names below, and see where that may lead you.   Happy surfing...

• Ami, Emily and Joe - These three 6th grade students worked really well together, and came up with their unique "random website."
  
  
• Cameron and Coleton - Countless millions of webpages exist nowadays, but how many are actually devoted to monkeys and Coke? Coleton and Cameron to the rescue! Now you can read all about how those furry friends quench their thirst, among other things.
  

We all hope you enjoy exploring these webpages. Although it required some hard work, attention-to-detail, and effective teamwork, these young webpage developers seemed to have a good time putting everything together. Please join me in congratulating everyone for a job very well done!

- Marc Dyer  

The International School of Monterey
[ ISM homepage ]