Trentmann points out that it is also possible to create links to materials that exist elsewhere on the Web. At the first meeting, I discuss what is possible and try to get them thinking about what they want to achieve with the Web page. Some want very simple things, like having the syllabus available for both their students and for colleagues at other institutions. Others, like Frank Trentmann, want images scanned and texts made available so students have a richer new media experience. I try to make it as easy as possible for the professors themselves to realize their ideas about the site.
Students seem to respond favorably to the Web presence.
It does help me learn more efficiently. When I wanted a map of Britain to study for the midterm, for instance, I went to the Web site from my computer rather than to the atlas in the Firestone reference room. That saved me some time over the course of the day. But you can't do that with 55 people.