Web_Start_Pages

Web Start Pages are great fun! Essentially, a start page can be set up with many small applets (gadgets, widgets, etc.) and used as a browser's home page.

Try one of the strategies below to develop a personalized Start Page. Google Apps is becoming widely used in American schools, so iGoogle is recommended if you plan to teach in the U.S. Google is not available in China, however. So, if one anticipates teaching in China, another alternative might be more useful.


 * iGoogle**- To use iGoogle you must have a Google email account (called Gmail), first. - Go to http://www.gmail.com and either log in or create an account. - Once in Gmail, click on the "Web" link along the upper left edge of the window. - On the next screen (with the box for the Google Search Engine) click on "iGoogle" along the upper right edge of the window, just to the right of your login name. - Note the "Add Stuff..." link. Here you can add Gadgets and Set Themes. - Over by the tabs for your iGoogle page (left side), there is a triangle to the right of the tab name. Clicking on the triangle will give you a drop down menu that will allow you to add another tab. - Alternatively, you can click on "Settings" along the upper right top of the window to make Gadget, Theme, and tab adjustments.

For what it is worth, there are similar services at http://www.netvibes.com and http://protopage.com.
 * Pageflakes** - To use Pageflakes, go to http://www.pageflakes.com - Choose "Sign up" along the top of the window on the right. - Pageflakes will attempt to create a page from the interest categories you set. - The Community button on the right, upper middle of the window will let you do some changes, but the large "Menu" on the right allows for many more customizations.


 * Performance Record:**Experiment with one of these Start Page options and send me an email describing what you did and how you think this sort of individualization might be useful to you.