Web Site Issues & Concerns

 

 

 

Publishing Databases

Before you go to the trouble of building a database of personal information (i.e., names, addresses, phone numbers), make sure that you have the express permission of those individuals to publically display their information on the internet. In addition, you will need to learn a database program such as Microsoft Access. Before choosing the database program, ensure that your school's server will read the information from this type of database. Not all school servers are compatible with all database programs.

Linking to Other Web Sites

Before you provide a link to another web site, make sure that the web site you are linking to is a public access web site. Never bypass web site warnings by linking to web pages inside a limited access web site. You are depriving your web site surfers of fair warning and could get them in trouble without their knowledge. Web sites such as NASA or military web sites may display these warnings on their main web page.

Once you are sure that the web page you are linking to is a public access web site, make sure that your link does not violate any type of internet protocol. The most common mistake new web site creators make is linking the web page so that it appears "within" your web site. This is a form of copyright violation. It is taking credit for something that is not yours. If the web page appears within your web site, it appears that you created it. Instead, make sure that the web page opens in what is referred to as a "blank" page. This is when you click on the link and a new window opens with the web page displayed. Your web page is still available for the viewer but in a different window. If you set up your link as a "direct" hyperlink, when the user clicks on the link, they will leave your web page an go to the new web page. This may be a bad idea if you want them to continue browsing your web site. The better idea is to have the additional link open in a new window.

Copyright Infringement

Another huge protocol breach is copying information from another web site and pasting it on your own. Always make sure that you get the owners permission and give them credit on your web site just as if you were writing a paper. The same is true for pictures and audio. You should never copy and paste pictures and audio from another web site to your own without the owners express permission.

In addition, many teachers want to include videos on their web sites. Make sure you read the copyright law that applies to the use of video. If you do not know how to obtain copyright permission for the print, audio, or video you wish to use, you can start your search at www.copyright.com. This web site makes it fairly easy to obtain copyright permission for most media. This web site is also an excellent resource to learn about "fair use" and other copyright issues.

A good rule of thumb to use is, "If you didn't create it on your own time, in your own home, on your own computer (or equipment), you probably don't have permission to use it!" Always consult copyright laws before deciding to include any type of media or information on your web site that you do not expressly own.

Including Pictures and Video

Before you display pictures of your students or video clips of your students, make sure that you have written permission from their parents. Parents should be warned that the site will be accessible by the public and that children are always at risk for being targeted by undesirable people. If the parents grant permission, it is still a good idea to not include any contact information such as names, addresses, etc or even school information in the same area. This makes it very easy for children to be targeted and located. For more information on internet safety for children, consult the Federal Bureau of Investigation Crimes Against Children web site. This might even be a good link to put on your web page for parents to read.