Teacher Web Sites, Ease-of-use Are Favored Features in CMS4Schools
New Berlin Coordinator of Instructional Technology Kevin Messman wasn’t even in the market for a new Web site content management system. He was so impressed at a Link4Learning presentation—Link4Learning is a sister product to CMS4Schools—that when the presenter mentioned CMS4Schools, he immediately wanted to know more.
“I wasn’t happy with our current system,” Messman said. “Every school had its own design. We had no consistency.”
In Summer 2006, the district began the process of moving from site-based Web site maintenance to a shared content management system that would allow faculty and staff members to make site updates from any computer with Web access. CMS4Schools developed a Web site color scheme and custom banners for the district and its seven schools. The district’s new site launched in Spring 2007.
Every teacher has a Web page with a schedule and syllabus. After just 18 months, more than 75 percent of teachers had posted additional content related to their classroom or subject.
“We now have more teachers with active Web sites that are regularly updated,” Messman said. “What we’re seeing is that we are delivering a consistent message and appearance, but you can still recognize the individuality of each school. You can tell we are a school district.”
Tools like the faculty/staff database and events calendars are widely used, with customizable information pulled into specific Web pages. A summer technology academy gave the district a prime opportunity to use the members database, which provides access to password protected content.
When asked to describe the biggest advantage CMS4Schools provides, Messman cited the system’s ease-of-use, supportive development team and affordability.
“I liked the cost,” Messman said. “It wasn’t a huge investment for us. We liked that it was a cooperative in that we weren’t working with a company. We knew we’d have input into future enhancements and development.”
