graham.dickie

I know there is criticism of Apple’s iWeb. I know that it has limited template and no easy template editor. I know that it integrates best with .Mac, and that is a subscription service. But now I know some other things too!

I know that many have found Dreamweaver too complicated for schools, especially primary schools, to build and maintain. I know it can make the best sites, and I would like to use it. But I know that the needs of a school web site are fairly clear.

A School website must be easy to maintain. It must be accessible to update, without significant training, by children, teaching and support staff. It must be possible to add pages without worry. Oh, and it must be stable.

I felt guilty at not using Dreamweaver, and having decided against going back to NetObjects Fusion, I thought it was time to give Apple’s iWeb a fair try. It was at SETT 06 that I discussed how the programme worked with the Apple stand, and realised that it could upload to any server. I have to admit I was impressed by iWeb. If you could use a word processor you could make a web site. So I did!

Actually I made two sites over the Easter break. Two days saw a main school site and another secure site for staff, holding planners, forward planning files, drafts and a calendar. Now is the hard part- getting all the content together, the correct photos and agreed text!

So would I recommend iWeb? Well, I haven’t tried uploading anywhere yet! But if that works, then I would have no hesitation. There are limitations, but I know this can be easily added to, updated and changed. The blog and photo album is a great feature, ideal for classes. So, when it’s live I’ll let you know. In fact, when it’s live, you can let me know!