Assessment 1 – Website Guidance

HOW TO BUILD YOUR WEBSITE – Step-by-Step for Assessment 1

You don’t need to be a tech expert to create a great-looking, professional website. Below are two recommended platforms—Google Sites and Wix—with beginner-friendly instructions.

OPTION 1: Google Sites (Best for Simplicity)

Why use it?

• Super easy to use.
• No login needed for visitors (view-only).
• Works well on desktop and mobile.
• Integrates with Google Docs if needed.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Go to: https://sites.google.com/new
2. Click the big “+” to start a new site.
3. Choose a theme (e.g., “Simple” or “Vision” – keep it clean and easy to read).
4. Add your Homepage:
   • Click on the title to rename it.
   • Add your intro paragraph.
   • Use the “Insert” tab to add text boxes, images, buttons or videos.
5. Create new pages:
   • Use the top-right menu: Pages → + New Page.
   • Name it (e.g., “Developmental Milestones”, “Tips for Families”, “Resources”).
   • You can nest pages (e.g., under “Reading at Home”).
6. Insert content:
   • Use Insert → Text box, then paste your written content.
   • Add images by clicking “Images” or using drag-and-drop.
   • To add a video: Insert → YouTube → paste the link.
7. Include references:
   • On the Resources page, use Insert → Text box and paste your APA7 references.
   • Consider linking to PDFs or websites using Insert → Button.
8. Preview your site:
   • Click the Preview icon (eyeball) to see how it looks on different devices.
   • Check that it’s readable, uncluttered, and easy to navigate.
9. Publish your site:
   • Click “Publish” (top right).
   • Choose a simple web address like ece502-reading-learners.
   • Copy the link and paste it into your Word document for LMS submission.

OPTION 2: Wix.com (Best for Visual Flexibility)

Why use it?

• Great design tools and templates.
• More visual appeal (animations, layout control).
• Slightly steeper learning curve than Google Sites.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Go to: https://www.wix.com
   • Create a free account.
2. Choose “Website” → “Portfolio” or “Education” template.
   • Select “Start from template” (not from scratch).
3. Edit the homepage:
   • Click on headings or images to change.
   • Use Add → Text → Paragraph or Add → Image to insert content.
4. Create new pages:
   • Use the Menu → Manage Pages → + Add Page.
   • Use descriptive, family-friendly titles (e.g., “How Children Learn to Talk”).
5. Add multimodal content:
   • Use Add → Video → YouTube.
   • Drag images, icons or PDF files into your content.
   • Link to external resources using buttons or hyperlinks.
6. Accessibility tips:
   • Use minimum 12–14pt font.
   • Choose high-contrast text on backgrounds.
   • Use alt text for images (click image → settings → “Alt Text”).
7. Preview your site:
   • Use the eye icon to preview.
   • Test links and read it aloud to yourself—does it flow?
8. Publish:
   • Click “Publish” and copy your site link.
   • It will look like: https://yourusername.wixsite.com/sitename

TIPS FOR SUCCESS

Design and Layout

• Use short paragraphs and bullet points.
• Break up content with images or icons.
• Keep navigation simple.
• Use consistent font styles and size.
• Add white space—don’t overcrowd.

Accessibility

• Use inclusive language (e.g., “families”, “carers”, “you and your child”).
• Avoid jargon or explain it with examples.
• Make sure colours are readable (e.g., dark text on light background).
• Use plain English with supportive visuals.

Multimodal Content

• Include images, icons or diagrams.
• Consider embedding:
  • A YouTube video of shared reading.
  • An audio clip of a rhyme or story.
  • A short slideshow of milestones or home routines.

WHAT TO SUBMIT

A working website link (viewable by your marker) on a Word document or PDF.

BE SURE TO TEST YOUR LINK PRIOR TO SUBMISSION. Your lecturer will not be able to assess your assessment if they cannot access it.