Students are changing, and so must schools. Now more computer-savvy, students expect more information, interactivity and online support from their school Website.

The structure of a school Website should depend on what your school is a preschool can perhaps make do with a simple but fun Web brochure, a junior high school can probably use forums and online libraries, and a university should probably have features such as online registrations and live lectures.

Stick to a friendly and accessible content if you are putting up a Website for preschoolers. Children as young as three years old now surf the Internet, so it is only sensible to build a school Website that appeals to their taste. However, you should keep in mind that parents of these children will most likely visit your school Website, too, and would find functionalities such as auto-announcements (of PTA meetings, for example) very helpful.

As students grow older and become more independent, their online needs change. Most high-school Websites these days have forums where teenage students can chat about everything (even topics that are not school-related). Discussion groups, especially when managed by a guidance counselor, greatly help teenage students cope with problems both in their studies and in their personal lives. It is also a good venue for introducing worthwhile advocacies and fostering community spirit.

You should likewise add a virtual library (if your budget allows it) to give the students a headstart on online researching.

If you are building a site for a college or university, remember to make it effective in two respects: recruitment and admission, and student support. Prospective students will most likely base their decision to enroll in a university on the Website, since it is the most accessible door to the school. Its no wonder that top universities spend thousands of dollars to establish a stronger online presence. Some school Websites even allow visitors to virtually roam a campus!

The site should likewise provide full support for existing students. It is a good idea to have online bill payment and class registration facilities, special-events calendars and alerts, online forums, and mail access even from outside the campus.