WordPress Training
Transcript of WordPress Training
IISME Summer 2007 FellowshipEducational Transfer Plan
Websites with WordPress:How to design, create, and manage your own website
Created by Michael Allen
Sponsor Company: eMeter CorporationMentor: Cherie Chan
Table of Contents
Abstract................................................................................................................................2Objectives............................................................................................................................2Description...........................................................................................................................2Standards..............................................................................................................................2Connections.........................................................................................................................3Materials..............................................................................................................................3Resources.............................................................................................................................3Procedures............................................................................................................................3Training Modules.................................................................................................................4
1: Introduction to Blogging & WordPress.................................................................42: Tour of WordPress...................................................................................................43: Plan a Website..........................................................................................................54: Create a Website.......................................................................................................5
Create an account.........................................................................................................5Update Profile..............................................................................................................6Create Title and Tagline..............................................................................................6Manage Categories......................................................................................................6Manage Pages..............................................................................................................6Manage Posts...............................................................................................................7Change Theme.............................................................................................................7Manage Widgets..........................................................................................................7Manage Comments......................................................................................................7Manage Blogroll..........................................................................................................8
5. Explore Some Websites............................................................................................86: Manage Your Website..............................................................................................8
Planning Your Site Form.....................................................................................................9Workshop Evaluation........................................................................................................12Workshop Survey..............................................................................................................13Presentation Slide Deck.....................................................................................................14
Abstract
This project provides teachers with an introduction to website creation and training in the online software tool WordPress. Instruction and support will be given to teachers on how to create, update and manage their individual classroom websites using WordPress.
Objectives
Identify the major components of a blog Locate and describe the key features of WordPress Plan and design a website Use WordPress to create a website
Description
“Websites with WordPress” was designed to introduce, provide practice with, and create a website using the on-line software application WordPress. Presentation, demonstration/exercises, and Q & A will be the instructional methods used to achieve the stated objectives. The workshop has been divided into 6 training modules. Each module contains a brief introduction, a list of objectives, and specific content. Each module, each will contain a combination of screenshots, procedures, and text to deliver the information. The first module provides an introduction to blogs and an overview of WordPress. The second module is tour of WordPress user interface and illustrates its key features and functions. The third module is guide to gathering the information needed to create a website plan. The fourth module provides instruction and practice for a series of individual tasks to complete. Step by step procedures and illustrations are used to demonstrate how to complete each task. The fifth module is designed to provide time in viewing the other workshop participants’ WordPress websites. Practice in how to leave comments and review comments left by others will be given. The last module contains a workshop summary, time for Q & A, and a list of WordPress resources. The most effective method for the delivery of the content would be a face to face training session. The training has been designed so that it can be completed individually. By the end of the workshop participants will have learned the basics of blogging, the key features of WordPress and how to plan, design, and create a website. The workshop materials and a list of additional WordPress resources can be used by participants. The instructor will be available throughout the year to offer assistance and help participants manage their classroom websites.
Standards
The project addresses two ISTE National Technology Standards: Standard IB-demonstrate continual growth in technology knowledge and skills to stay abreast of current and emerging technologies and Standard IV D- use technology to communicate with peers, parents, and the larger community in order to nurture student understanding.
Connections
My fellowship responsibilities were to update content on the company's website and to create training materials. Since the use of websites is standard in industry and business sectors, schools should implement the same practice and help teachers to create individual classroom websites. I will use the skills I developed during my fellowship to create and implement a training workshop on website design. The training will focus on how to create, edit, and manage a website using WordPress.
Materials
Computers with internet access, LCD projectorPlan a Website worksheetsWorkshop evaluation formsPre and post-survey forms
Resources
The WordPress site itself offers a variety of free tutorials, documents, and forums that can be accessed for help:
http://codex.wordpress.org/Main_Page
This is a free blogging community site that provides tools, examples and support for educational blogging:
http://edublogs.org
Procedures Ask teachers to complete “Pre-Workshop Survey” Plan, schedule, and invite teaches to “Websites with WordPress” workshop Conduct workshop Ask teachers to complete “Post-Workshop Survey” and “Workshop Evaluation” forms Provide help and guidance throughout the year to teachers who are managing their
classroom website
Training Modules
1: Introduction to Blogging & WordPress
Abbreviation of the words Web and LogOngoing chronicle of informationFrequently updated with many focuses and purposesCommonalities:
Main content area with postsArchive of older postsA way for people to leave commentsLinks to other sites “Blog roll”One or more RSS Feeds (Real Simple Syndication)Content: Updated continuouslyComments: interactive feature that allows the visitor to leave comments
History of WordPressStarted in 2003 with a bit of code to enhance typographyNow it’s the largest self hosting blogging tool in the worldOpen Source Can download and customize but easiest way is to use the WordPress.com site
Origin of the name:Developer wanted to associate the new software with printing pressesPress- refers to journalists, photographers, columnistsServes as a printing press for users to publish their words
2: Tour of WordPress
Administration panel: where the organization of your site beginsView site: see the actual siteHeader: title placeholderSidebar/Navigation: Widgets- pages, categories, links, calendar, etc.Post: title, content, meta dataFooter: blog sourceHome Page: features most recent posts, which link to actual post pagePosts: stored in categoriesArchives: organizes previous postsThe Dashboard: “Your Stuff” and “What’s Hot”Users: Authors and Users, your profilePresentation: Themes- presentation style, features, and feelWrite: Write new posts and create pagesManage: manage posts, pages, uploads, categories, import/export filesBlogroll: links to other websitesComments: moderate comments left by others
3: Plan a Website
Mission Statement:What am I going to do with this?Who is going to read this?What kinds of information will I be posting?Why am I doing this?Who am I doing this for?How often am I going to be posting and adding information?
This website will be dedicated to X, Y, and Z. and cover the topics of A, B, and C. The audience will be_____________________. I will be adding posts every_________________ about_____________________. I am doing this because ___________________.
X, Y, and Z: purposeA, B, C: categories
Title and Tag LineSidebar: What information do you want in the sidebarCalendarArchivesBlogroll: http://www.epa.gov/kids, http://www.scholastic.com/kids http://www.yahooligans.com RSS Feed: http://www.sciencenewsforkids.org/rss/SNK.asp Categories: Ask the Teacher, Homework, Weekly Bulletins, Special AnnouncementsPages: About, Daily ScheduleBiographical StatementUsername and PasswordWelcome Message
4: Create a Website
Create an accountOpen browser and type in http://www.wordpress.comClick Start your free WordPress BlogType in your “username” in the Username BoxType in your “email address” in the Email BoxCheck the box next to Legal flotsamClick NextIdentify your site’s domain nameEnter your “Blog Title”Click Sign UpOpen the email sent by WordPress and locate your passwordReturn to http://www.wordpress.com type in your “username” and “password” Click Enter
Update Profile
Click Users on the topic menu barClick Your Profile in sub-topic barType your “first name, last name, and nickname” in the Name sectionType your “autobiographical statement” in the About Yourself sectionType your “email” and “website address” in the Contact Info section
Type your “new password” twice in the Password sectionClick Update Profile
Create Title and Tagline
Click Options in the topic menu barType your “website’s title” in the Weblog Title boxType your “website’s tagline” in the Tagline boxClick Update Options
Manage Categories
Add a CategoryClick Manage in the topic menu barClick Categories in the sub-topic menu barClick Add New
Type “Ask the Teacher” in the Category Name boxType a brief description of the category in the Description boxClick Add Category
Repeat the steps above to create these categories:“Homework” “Weekly Bulletins” “Special Announcements”
Manage Pages
Click Manage in the topic menu barClick Pages in the sub-topic menu bar
Edit PageClick Edit for the page AboutDelete the text in the Page Content sectionType your “Mission Statement”Click Save
Create PageClick Create PageType Daily Schedule in the Page Title boxClick Publish
Manage Posts
Delete a PostClick Manage in topic menu barLocate the example postClick Delete for the postClick OK in dialogue box
Write a PostClick Write in the topic menu barClick Write Post in the sub-topic menu barType your “welcome message title” in the Title boxType your “welcome message” in the Post boxUse the tool bar to edit and format your messageClick Uncategorized in the Categories boxClick Publish to publish your post to your website
Change Theme
Click Presentation in the topic menu barScroll down to find a theme you likeClick on the “theme title”(website is automatically updated with new theme)Scroll to the top and click View SiteClick your browser’s back button
Manage Widgets
Click Presentation in the topic menu barClick Widgets in the sub-topic menu bar
Add RSS FeedFind the widget RSS 1 in the Available Widgets boxDrag the widget RSS 1 to the sidebar boxDouble click on the Configure Icon on the right side of the widgetLocate the pop-up dialogue boxType the URL address: http://www.sciencenewsforkids.org/rss/SNK.asp in the RSS/Feed boxType “Science Right Now!” in the Title box
Manage CommentsClick CommentsDelete commentEmail is received when new comments are written and posted
Manage Blogroll
Add a LinkClick Blogroll in the topic menu barClick Add Link in the sub-topic menu barType “Environmental Kids Page” in the Title boxType “http://www.epa.gov/kids” in the Address boxCheck Blogroll in the Categories boxClick Add Link
Repeat the steps above to create links for the following:
“Scholastic Kid page” “http://www.scholastic.com/kids”“Yahooligans” “http://www.yahooligans.com”
5. Explore Some Websites
Website AddressesIdentify the web addresses of the WordPress sites created by workshop participantsMake a list of these websites to use as a resourceTrade your website address with one other participant
Leave a CommentOpen up a new web browser windowType in the “web address” of your partner’s siteRead the Introduction PostClick CommentType “your name” Type “your email address”Type “your comment”Click Submit Comment
Award Winning SitesOpen a new web browserType in: http://www.incsub.org/awardsScroll to view different sitesClick on a site you would like to seeContinue to choose other sites to visit
6: Manage Your Website
Here are two excellent resources to help you expand, modify, and manage your website:http://edublogs.org/features/http://codex.wordpress.org/Main_Page
Planning Your Site
A good website comes from a good plan. It is now time for you to think about your own classroom website. This form will help you plan, design, and develop your site.
Mission Statement
The first step in designing your site is to determine the purpose, content, and audience. To help you identify these things, read the questions below and write a brief answer for each one.
1. What am I going to do with this? __________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
2. Who is going to read this? _______________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
3. What kind of information will I be posting? _________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
4. Why am I doing this? ___________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
5. Who am I doing this for? ________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
6. How often am I going to be posting and adding information? ___________________
________________________________________________________________________
Compile the information from your answers to write a paragraph. This will be your mission statement. Use the following template as a guide.
This website will be dedicated to X, Y, and Z. and cover the topics of A, B, and C. The audience will be_____________________. I will be adding posts every_________________ about_____________________. I am doing this because ___________________.
X, Y, and Z: purpose for the websiteA, B, and C: categories of information
My Mission Statement
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Title and Tagline
Now that you have your mission statement, think about what the title of your site should be. Be creative but keep it simple. After you have decided on the title, you need to write a tagline. A tagline is a short catchy phrase or slogan that describes the essence, character, or attributes of your site.
Title: __________________________________________________________________
Tagline: ________________________________________________________________
Sidebar
You can personalize your site and deliver information you want by customizing your sidebar. The information is organized into widgets, which are links the reader can use to navigate within and to outside web addresses outside of your site. Here are just a few of the widgets that can be added to your sidebar.
Calendar Archives Blogroll RSS FeedTag Cloud Top Posts Search Vod: Pod VideosCategories Plug-ins Del.iciou.us Recent CommentsRecent Posts Search Flikr Pages
Circle these six widgets: Calendar, Archives, Blogroll, RSS Feed, Categories, Pages
Pages: In addition to your Home Page identify 2 other pages
1. ________________________________
2. ________________________________
Blogroll: Identify three other websites that will be linked to yours:
1. ________________________________
2. ________________________________
3. ________________________________
Categories: Identify four different categories of posts
1. ________________________________
2. ________________________________
3. ________________________________
4. ________________________________
RSS Feed: Identify one RSS Feed
1. ________________________________
Calendar
Archives
Biographical Statement
Write a brief biographical statement. Include any personal, professional, or educational information about yourself. This will be used as an introduction of yourself to viewers of your web site.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Create Username and Password
Choose a username and a password that you can easily remember
Username: _______________________ Password: ______________________
Welcome Message
Write a brief message that welcomes viewers to your website:
Title: _____________________________________
Message: ________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Websites with WordPressWorkshop Evaluation
Please rate your satisfaction with the training
Use this scale:1- Very Dissatisfied2- Dissatisfied3-Neither Satisfied or Dissatisfied4- Satisfied5- Very Satisfied
Usefulness 1-----------------2-----------------3-----------------4-----------------5
Format 1-----------------2-----------------3-----------------4-----------------5
Organization 1-----------------2-----------------3-----------------4-----------------5
Activities 1-----------------2-----------------3-----------------4-----------------5
Handouts/materials 1-----------------2-----------------3-----------------4-----------------5
Presenter’s skills 1-----------------2-----------------3-----------------4-----------------5
Overall rating 1-----------------2-----------------3-----------------4-----------------5
How could this workshop be improved?
Any other comments or suggestions?
Websites with WordPressWorkshop Survey
Please circle one: pre-training post-training
Please rate your ability in each of the following skills:
Skill I can do itI think I
know howI have no idea
Internet and BloggingNavigate to websites on the internetIdentify a browserDefine the term “blog”Identify the key features of a “blog”
Website DesignWrite a mission statementWrite a title and taglineIdentify and create a navigation sidebar Write a biographical statementWrite a welcome message
WordPress SoftwareCreate an accountUpdate your profileCreate a Title and TaglineManage CategoriesManage PagesManage PostsChange ThemeManage WidgetsManage commentsManage Blogroll
Website ExplorationLocate a WordPress created siteSubmit a comment on a WordPress siteLocate award winning WordPress sites
Website ManagementIdentify an online WordPress reference site
Presentation Slide Deck
Websites with WordPress
Design, create, and manage your own website
Created by Michael Allen
Agenda
Introductions
Objectives/Purpose
Course Structure
Rules of Engagement
Surveys/Evaluations
Learning Modules
Questions and Answers
Introductions
Please introduce yourself: Name
Previous experience with blogs and websites
What you want to gain from the workshop
Objectives
After this training you will be able to:
Identify the major components of a blog
Locate the key features of WordPress
Plan and design a website
Use WordPress to create a website
Course Structure
Demonstrations/Exercises
Presentation
Questions/Answers
Rules of Engagement
Please do not access your personal email
Turn off cell phones and pagers
Please honor break time limits
Participate, this is your class
Ask questions at any time
Still don’t get it – ASK AGAIN
Be willing to experiment new ideas and techniques
Offer suggestions for improvements
Surveys/Evaulations
You will be asked to complete two surveys Pre-Workshop Survey
Post-Workshop Survey
You will be asked to complete a workshop evaluation
Please complete the Pre-Workshop Survey
2. Tour
1. Introduction
3. Plan
6. Manage
4. Create
Learning Modules
6. Manage
5. Explore
2. Tour
1. Introduction
3. Plan
6. Manage
4. Create
Introduction to Blogs & WordPress
6. Manage
5. Explore
What is a Blog?
Abbreviation of the words “Web and Log”
Ongoing chronicle of information
Frequently updated
Commonalities: Main content area with posts
Archive of older posts A way for people to leave posts
Links to other sites
One or more RSS Feeds (Real Simple Syndication)
History of WordPress
Started in 2003 with a bit of code Created as a personal publishing software The largest self hosting blogging tool in the
world Open Source:
Everyone has access to it Everything is written by and for the community Free to use
Can download and customize
Origin of the name
Wanted to associate the new software with printing presses
“Press” refers to journalists, photographers, columnists
Serves as a “printing press” for users to publish their “words”
2. Tour
1. Introduction
3. Plan
6. Manage
5. Explore
4. Create
Tour of WordPress
The Dashboard
To see the actual site
Recent activity on your site Popular posts and sites
Topic menu bar
Sub-topic menu bar
Presentation: Themes
Style, look, and feel
Presentation: Widgets
Items in your sidebar navigation
Site Management
Manage all of your posts, pages, uploads, categories
Comments
Moderate comments left by others
Home Page
Title and header
Sidebar navigation
Most recent posts
2. Tour
1. Introduction
3. Plan
6. Manage
5. Explore
4. Create
Plan a Website
Mission Statement
First step is to determine the purpose, content, and audience of your website
Think about the following questions: What am I going to do with this?
Who is going to read this?
What kind of information will I be posting?
Why am I doing this? Who am I doing this for?
How often am I going to be posting and adding information?
Title and Tagline
Title Think about the title of your site should be
Be creative but keep it simple
Tagline Short phrase or slogan
Describes the essence, attributes, & character
Sidebar
Customize your site by determining the information you want to have accessible
Organized into links called “widgets”
Used to navigate within and outside of your site
Widgets
Here are just a few of the widgets you can add:Calendar Archives BlogrollRSS Feed Tag Cloud Top PostsSearch Vod: Pod CategoriesPlug-ins Comments FlikrDel.iciou.us Recent Posts
Search Pages
Identified Sidebar Widgets
Pages: “About”, “Daily Schedule”
Blogroll: “http://www.epa.gov/kids”, http://www.scholastic.com/kids “http://www.yahooligans.com”
Categories: “Ask the Teacher”, “Homework”, “Weekly Bulletins”, “Special “Announcements
RSS Feed: http://www.sciencenewsforkids.org/rss/SNK.asp
Calendar Archives
Biographical Statement
A brief history of yourself
Include any professional, personal, or educational information
What you want viewers of your site to know about you
Username and Password
Words used to access your site
Choose ones that you can easily remember
Welcome Message
A brief message that welcomes viewers to your site
2. Tour
1. Introduction
3. Plan
6. Manage
5. Explore
4. Create
Create a Website
Create an Account
Open browser and type in http://www.wordpress.com
Click Start your free WordPress Blog
Create an Account
Type in your “username” in the Username Box
Type in your “email address” in the Email Box
Check the box next
to Legal flotsam
Click Next
Create an Account
Identify your site’s domain name
Enter your “Blog Title”
Click Sign Up
Create an Account
Open the email sent by WordPressand locate your initial password
Return to http://www.wordpresscom
Type in your “username” and “initial password”
Click Enter
Update Profile
Click Users on the topic menu bar
Click Your Profile in sub-topic bar
Update Profile
Type your “first name, last name, and nickname” in the Name section
Type your “autobiographical statement” in the About Yourself section
Type your “email” and “website address” in the Contact Info section
Type your “new password”twice in the Password section
Click Update Profile
Create Title and Tagline
Click Options in the topic menu bar
Type your “website’s title” in the WeblogTitle box
Type your “website’s tagline” in the Tagline box
Click Update Options
Manage Categories
Add a Category Click Manage in the topic menu bar Click Categories in the sub-topic
menu bar Click Add New Type “Ask the Teacher” in the
Category Name box Type a brief description of the
category in the Description box Click Add Category
Repeat the steps above to create these categories:
“Homework” “Weekly Bulletins” “Special Announcements”
Manage Pages
Click on Manage in the topic menu bar
Click on Pages in the sub-topic menu bar
Edit Page Click Edit for the page About Delete the text in the Page
Content section Type your “Mission
Statement” Click Save
Manage Pages
Create Page
Click Create Page
Type Daily Schedule in the Page Title box
Click Publish
Manage Posts
Delete a Post Click Manage in topic
menu bar Click on Posts Locate the example
post Click Delete for the post Click OK in dialogue
box
Manage Posts
Write a Post Click Write in the topic menu
bar Click Write Post in the sub-
topic menu bar Type your “welcome message
title” in the Title box Type your “welcome
message” in the Post box Use the tool bar to edit and
format your message Click Uncategorized in the
Categories box Click Publish to publish your
post to your website
Change Theme
Click Presentation in the topic menu bar
Scroll down to find a theme you like
Click on the “theme title” (website is automatically
updated with new theme) Scroll to the top and click
View Site Click your browser’s back
button Locate and click the theme
“Quentin”
Manage Widgets
Click Presentation in the topic menu bar
Click Widgets in the sub-topic menu bar
Add RSS Feed Find the widget RSS 1 in the
Available Widgets box Drag the widget RSS 1 to the
sidebar box
Manage Widgets
Double click on the Configure Icon on the right side of the widget
Locate the pop-up dialogue box Type the URL address:
http://www.sciencenewsforkids.org/rss/SNK.asp in the RSS/Feed box
Type “Science Right Now!” in the Title box
Manage Widgets
Add Calendar Find the widget Calendar in the
Available Widgets box Drag the widget Calendar to the
sidebar box
Repeat the steps above to create these widgets
Archives Links Pages Categories
Click Save Changes
Manage Comments
Click Comments
Click Delete on “test comment”
Click OK in dialogue box Edit, delete, approve and un-
approve comments
Email is received when new comments are written and posted
Manage Blogroll
Add a Link Click Blogroll in the topic menu
bar Click Add Link in the sub-topic
menu bar Type “Environmental Kids
Page” in the Title box Type “http://www.epa.gov/kids”
in the Address box Check Blogroll in the
Categories box Click Add Link
Manage Blogroll
Repeat the steps above to create links for the following:
“Scholastic Kid page”“http://www.scholastic.com/kids”
“Yahooligans”“http://www.yahooligans.com”
2. Tour
1. Introduction
3. Plan
6. Manage
5. Explore
4. Create
Explore Some Websites
Website Addresses
Identify the web addresses of the WordPresssites created by workshop participants
Make a list of these websites to use as a resource
Trade your website address with one other participant
Leave a Comment
Open up a new web browser window
Type in the “web address” of your partner’s site
Read the Introduction Post
Click Comment
Type “your name”
Type “your email address”
Type “your comment”
Click Submit Comment
Award Winning Sites
Open a new web browser
Type in: http://www.incsub.org/awards
Scroll to view different sites
Click on a site you would like to see
Continue to choose other sites to visit
2. Tour
1. Introduction
3. Plan
6. Manage
5. Explore
4. Create
Manage Your Website
Resources
Here are two excellent resources to help you expand, modify, and manage your website http://edublogs.org/features/
http://codex.wordpress.org/Main_Page
Question and Answer
Please ask questions for additional: Clarification
Help
Support
Concerns
Guidance
Evaluations
Please complete the Post-Workshop
Survey
Please complete the workshop evaluation form