Websites

Static webpages used to deliver information are one of the most salient features of web 1.0. However, there is now a whole generation of template-driven website building services that allow users to simply and easily set up websites which are dynamic rather than static and have a more web 2.0 feel and orientation. These websites typically feature responsive design, where a website can recognise a user’s device type and format itself appropriately (see image above); this means such websites can be aligned easily with mobile learning. Features typical of web 2.0 which are often found on these newer websites include:

• • RSS feeds which automatically import and dynamically update the latest content from social networking, social sharing, blogging or microblogging services
  • chat/IM windows or discussion boards (often in the form of comments boxes) which allow user interaction and feedback
  • polls which allow another kind of user interaction and feedback

In the early days of the web, it was necessary to know HTML code in order to design websites. The process became somewhat easier with the release of web design software like Dreamweaver in the late 1990s. Nowadays, creating a website is a simple matter of selecting a template from a website building service, and adding desired elements in a drag-and-drop manner. However, it is still useful to learn some HTML code in order to make fine adjustments. Websites can often be set up for free, but many freemium services charge for increased functionality, privacy features, security and backups, and web hosting.

The most popular website building services for educators or students who are starting out in this area include the drag-and-drop Canva Websites (free), Weebly (freemium) and Wix (freemium), with Google Sites (free) and WordPress (paid) being popular among those with a little more experience. Other website building services include GoDaddy (paid), Elementor (paid), Jimdo (freemium), SimDif (freemium), Site123 (freemium) and Yola (freemium).

The wave of generative AI tools released from late 2022 onwards has seen the incorporation of more AI into existing website services (inlcuding the Wix AI Website Builder and Elementor AI), as well as the emergence of new AI-powered website building tools such as 10Web, 60 Sec Site, CreateWebsite, Framer, Gamma, GetSite, Loopple, Mixo, Tips.io, Typedream, Vzy and WebWave; typically, we see such services start off free of charge, especially when in their beta testing phase, but over time most can be expected to move to freemium or paid models.

Alternatives to using a website building service include building a blog or a wiki. There are several free services which function primarily as RSS aggegators and pull together content from across the web to create a personal dashboard or start page; examples include My Yahoo, Netvibes and Protopage. Many website builders and similar services are also available as mobile apps.

Last update: November 2024.