22 September 2012

Why Web Hosting For Schools Is Important

By Casandra Newton


Websites are now becoming commonplace and virtually any business or individual has use of them. Learning institutions are also some of the top gainers by adopting the use of this technology in the management. Web hosting for schools comes with it a host of advantages that are discussed in this article.

A website is a compilation of two or more related pages with information in the form of text and pictures. It is in most cases hosted on one computer known as a server and access to it is through the internet using a special internet address that is used to identify the site. All sites created compile what is known as the World Wide Web and information posted can be viewed by anyone as long as they have an internet connection and browser.

They provide a strong and reliable promotional tool of the services and facilities found in the learning institutions. Websites are much more interactive and cheaper than the traditional billboards and placing of advertisements on the local papers. They also offer the added advantage of that they can be viewed all over the world than just within your locality offering a wider audience.

They add more credence and generate a positive image of the school if the site is designed professionally and has content that is of high quality and updated regularly. It also helps the institution to respond quickly to queries from visitors and parents through features like chat room. In addition, with the added advantage of newsletters information can be disseminated to the institution's community, students, teachers, parents, and non-teaching staff, in a matter of seconds.

The site can also serve as an online school database where its administration can upload important information about the institution. This in effect means that the school can have its own offsite filing cabinet for important information and data that can be accessed by the institution's employees even while away or on vacation. Some of the information that can be uploaded includes the student's performances and tests.

An online presence allows the school to have an 'office' that is literally open throughout the day never mind the day of the week. This effectively lowers expenses incurred by the institution these funds can then be diverted to more deserving causes. Apart from visitors been able to visit the school physically, they also have the added option of going online to find out all they can about the school.

A school site is one of the best places to introduce children to the world within the internet and instill in them core principles like netiquette. A trusted adult can closely monitor a child's online activity. The children not only learn technical skills, also how to be safe while surfing.

It is also an effective hands-on teaching tool where kids can enjoy uploading their own videos, songs, and articles. For a child to see what they have produced made available to the public is very rewarding. It is a great way of building self-esteem and confidence and doing so without putting them at risk.

These are just a few of the myriad advantages that can be accrued from web hosting for schools at a minimal cost. The only recurring costs are the domain registration, website administration and hosting services fees. Of importance to better able to harness the full power of the internet is careful planning and getting reliable and qualified people for the project, which are all necessary ingredients for a successful website.




About the Author: