I have been designing websites since 2002. As mentioned in the previous section, in 2004 I developed a website for students of Spanish as a foreign language using Hot Potatoes to produce interactive learning materials, shared through the website with other Spanish students and educators. I used the free version of Geocities to host the website. Unfortunately Yahoo closed down Geocities but luckily my site was ‘saved’ by Geocities.ws, although some of its original features were lost as a consequence, click here to access it. At the time, I uploaded two mp3s to the website which cannot be listened to anymore as the Flash plugin is no longer supported. I recorded a text I had written about my family to give my students the opportunity to read and listen to the text, so that they could practise reading, listening and pronunciation. To be able to keep using both text and audio in my websites, and to avoid the same kind of issue happening again, I have been exploring other options and I have started using a HTML5 mp3 player which is compatible with all devices, unlike Flash which does not work with mobile devices. In addition to that, from then on I have ensured that I always keep a copy of each site and its contents to make sure that I can easily replace the website if the web hosting service was to close down.
Nowadays, it is very simple to keep backup files ready to be accessed at any time using the Google Drive, the free online storage included in a Gmail account. Content can be organised in folders which can be quickly and easily accessed from any networked computer, tablet or smarthphone. In my opinion this is a extremely convenient tool: folders and files can be shared and different privileges can be granted to users depending on their role. I have used this with my team to share information. We also use the Google Drive to organise work files with our admin team. It is a very easy and convenient way to share files and documents - all you need to be able to work is a networked computer, tablet or smarthphone.
Google Sites can be institutionally supported, and like my university, other UK universities have provided their staff and students with a Gmail account, giving them access to Google Sites, the Google Calendar and other apps and extra features, as well as 15 GB default storage. In my opinion, the interface is very user friendly - it’s easy to personalise the display, themes, settings and configure your Inbox. A Gmail account is free, institutionally supported or private, and comes with a hefty 15 GB default storage. In my experience, I found that working with a familiar platform and interface is a good way to ensure users are comfortable and confident, increasing the chances of a more successful interaction.
To ensure that my students not only learn Spanish but also practise and acquire IT skills, I share my experience using new apps and other digital resources and I ask them to share with me theirs. We do this in class but I often remind them that they can email me the information to allow me to share it with everyone through the Spanish LFA resources webpage and Yorkshare, the University of York VLE.
Nowadays, it is very simple to keep backup files ready to be accessed at any time using the Google Drive, the free online storage included in a Gmail account. Content can be organised in folders which can be quickly and easily accessed from any networked computer, tablet or smarthphone. In my opinion this is a extremely convenient tool: folders and files can be shared and different privileges can be granted to users depending on their role. I have used this with my team to share information. We also use the Google Drive to organise work files with our admin team. It is a very easy and convenient way to share files and documents - all you need to be able to work is a networked computer, tablet or smarthphone.
Google Sites can be institutionally supported, and like my university, other UK universities have provided their staff and students with a Gmail account, giving them access to Google Sites, the Google Calendar and other apps and extra features, as well as 15 GB default storage. In my opinion, the interface is very user friendly - it’s easy to personalise the display, themes, settings and configure your Inbox. A Gmail account is free, institutionally supported or private, and comes with a hefty 15 GB default storage. In my experience, I found that working with a familiar platform and interface is a good way to ensure users are comfortable and confident, increasing the chances of a more successful interaction.
To ensure that my students not only learn Spanish but also practise and acquire IT skills, I share my experience using new apps and other digital resources and I ask them to share with me theirs. We do this in class but I often remind them that they can email me the information to allow me to share it with everyone through the Spanish LFA resources webpage and Yorkshare, the University of York VLE.