CRAP

Contrast:
Is the contrast good so that different elements stand out?
Within the website there are a variety of contrast levels. While the text on the homepages body is stark against the white background, other text elements(like the text in the comments box) so not provide enough of a contrast to stand out and be easily read. The text and back ground colors should be be contrasting shade of light and dark in order to make the page navigable.

Repetition:
Are the similar visual elements repeated throughout the webpage?
The font for the website seems to change on every single page. The home page uses a basic heading with a bold font, and both the course page and the Instructor page switch to a new style. The color scheme of the site also seems off since the shade of blue change between the first two pages and are then abandoned on the instructor page.

Alignment:
Are similar element aligner to represent a visual connection?
The text does seem to be properly aligned on each page but other visual elements are not. The pictures on the home page are all different sizes and are unequal distances apart. They are also not aligned to one side, making then look staggered and shift when the page size is change.

Proximity:
Are similar visual elements grouped together and different visual element grouped separately so that they communicate relationship/variability?

On every page the use of paragraph shape and the picture position is shifted. Because of this there is no cohesive flow throughout the site and every page feels disconnected.

http://educationaltechnologyandyou.weebly.com/

Journal #6

     To get an idea of what a good teacher website should look like, I look at 3 different second grade classroom pages on the Florida State University Schools website. Most teachers were consistent in having there website open to a very minimally decorated welcome page. Each teacher used one graphic to make the page interesting, but the formatting didn't look entirely professional. All of the teachers similarly had an "about the teacher page," and then typically a page for newsletters or class schedules. Some stopped here, but others also included pages mapping the curriculum, and addition pages on events or field trips. The sites that were organized with more links would be more helpful to parents because of the easy navigability. On all pages I was able to view all of this information without a login. Although the only person information given was the teachers, there were dates on the site for when the students would be visiting places on field trips. This could potentially be problematic if the wrong person were in search for this information. Overall the web pages followed a very simple format and had few difference between different teachers sites.

https://www.fsus.school/Domain/44

     As a teacher I hope I can effectively run a classroom by keeping all of my information and work organized. I know the best way to do this is to utilize online resources since anything just don't on pen and paper can get lost. In the past I have used programs like Google keep in order to mange an quick notes or thoughts I might have. Buy writing down notes digitally though online source like this, or even just by using the sticky note feature on PC, thoughts are less likely to get lost. Another tool similar to this is an online cloud. Like the notes on Google keep, anything stored in the cloud can be accessed anywhere. As a teacher is would be good to utilize this to make sure no file with important lessons plans or test files were left at home or saved on the wrong flash drive. This online storage makes access to files much more stream-line and convenient. Another way to avoid lost papers with important information would be to digitally interact with students parent's. Just as the teachers sites on FSUS website did, its important to give parents easy access to newsletters so that no key dates or deadlines are lost to the trashcan. Not only this, but for more student specific goals it is now essential to send an email to ensure good communication. This way there is no student as a middle man delivering important notices.
     On Florida State University campus, the Technology sandbox offers so many cool resources for students. One of my favorites was the 3D pen which enabled its users to draw in 3D. Although the tool might be too complex for an elementary school student, there are many ways it could be used in upper level classes. as early as middle school the pen could help students learn concepts of physics. The pen, although for 3D purposes, has some dimensional restrictions. When building upwards only short straight lines must be done at one time, and the student must manage turning the pen off and allowing the structure enough time to dry before the structure can stand on its own. If a student doesn't understand gravity's effect then they will be surely disappointed in their results. In high school drafting or engineering classes the pen would help students understand the importance of a support structure in a design. With the pen another restriction is the need for a good base to support top heavy designs. This would help students grasp a similar idea of importance in other designs. This tool is not only fun to use, but challenging in a way that is beneficial to students.

ILP "Design" - Prezi

For my first Independent Learning Project I chose to use Prezi to create an informational presentation on the water cycle. For my presentation I also chose to create my own background image since none of the Prezi templates satisfied what I wanted to present. I made the background image of the water cycle using Microsoft PowerPoint. I used the shape tool and image effects to create the landscape on a slide and then was able to save the file as a PNG to use in the presentation. I enjoyed diagramming the water cycle since its one of my favorite elementary science concepts.

https://prezi.com/view/me5ACkFlI1HsDAafs6A1/

Journal #5

     Web 2.0 refers to the new, more interactive categories of websites that became prominent in the 21st century. These sites, unlike Web 1.0, focus on the users ability to offer feedback or contribute to the sites material. ELA standards call for this type of web interaction and not only encourage it, but require it. I think Web 2.0 tools that are the most helpful are those that allow teachers to connect with their students. This can be done by social network style websites such as blogs or google classroom. Blogs give a teachers a space to post content for all members of of the class to see. On this format student are also able to easily respond back to their teacher, or provide their own information to share with the class. Though these websites can be good resources, how helpful they actually are can be debated. Since these sources are typically open to everyone on the world wide web teachers must be careful to not expose their students to dangerous people. To prevent this most online content between students and teachers are on password protected or closed sites. This allows the class to interact while still keeping students privacy.

     One of the best online web sources I have seen for classroom interaction is Google Classroom. This site is free for anyone with a google account and can be used to connect teachers and students online. The site gives students access to other google programs such as Google Docs, Drive, Sheets and Slides. The resources provide an alternative to Microsoft Office tools that some students may not possess at home. Most important thought, is the site giving teachers the ability to create an assignment and distribute it to their students. Classrooms and assignments are closed only to those who have access, making it a safe environment for students. The site is also available in app form for both iOS and Android, giving students convenient access to their assignments even on their phones. Google classroom gives schools an easy and cheap way to create an online learning environment.

     One of the biggest promises for education in the upcoming years is the technological advancement in Gamification. As silly as it might seem, nothing motivates a student to learn more that the idea of having fun. In my experience classes went wild on days where we reviewed using Jeopardy style games, or when online learning tools were introduced that students could compete on. For example, my 2nd grade class was obsessed with Fast Math, and my classmates would go home an play for hours so that they could brag about their achievements on the site. This was over ten years ago and now games used with in the classroom have evolved into complex and smart applications. Games now allow students to test and develop ideas so that students are actively learning while playing. Examples like ATOMS and the World Peace Game have students critically think and solve problems, which is important in 21st century learning. This technology would be used in classrooms to promote learning and important skill development in students while entertaining to the point where it doesn't even feel like learning.

     

Journal #4

     My twitter use so far has primarily focused on retweeting  and replying to others. I follow many educational twitter accounts, so I try to find educational articles that pertain to technological advancements in the classroom. I vary between simply retweeting and also quote tweeting so that I can provide my own input. I enjoy looking through all of the articles and comments people post on my feed but can find it intimidating to tweet my own words or reply to others. I'm glad that response to others is mandatory though since it makes me figure what opinions I want to express. In my reply tweets I have tried to show enthusiasm for what ever the topic may be, but provide a clear reason as to why I think it is positive. I choose to respond to bigger accounts, such as @educationweek or @GoogleForEdu, because the sources seem reliable. I can see how a twitter could help teachers connect to other educators from around the world. I think that if I choose to have a twitter when I enter the field of education I will follow many other educators and retweet articles in order to get their own expert opinions on the subject. I can allow see myself tweeting out when I have any questions about teaching techniques. I have enjoyed my experience so far and look forward to getting better connected to my fellow EME2040 classmates on the site.

     The digital divide creates an unbalanced education technology for students of different backgrounds. Students who are familiar with technology all of their lives are more likely to feel ease when adapting to new technology software. This confidence will transfer into the workforce as tech savvy kids feel little to no intimidation when face with learning a new program for a job. On the opposite end of the spectrum, students who are given limited access to technological resources struggle with learning new tools. Even if a program or software is unique to a job, a student who grew up with out technology is at a disadvantage since learning can become a daunting task. This is unfortunate since jobs in the tech sector are rapidly growing. The divide in technological preparation stems from economic and geographical differences in home life. A student in the city with upper  middle class parents is more likely to have access to a computer and other tech tools, while a low income rural student may have very limited access. As a teacher I must be prepared to help close this divide so that non-tech friendly kids are given enough experience. Since assigning online homework is unfair to those students, technology activities should be done in class. This can mean shared time on in class computers, or a class trip to a computer lab where beneficial skills can be learned. Providing this experience to children at an early age creates a more even playing field as the students grow older and enter the work force.

      Because I want to teach at the elementary school level I will use mainly basic student softwares.I will want to use web resources that are activities or fun for the students to participate in. This will be used primarily in class since it would be unfair to assign any online sources as homework for students who lack the resources. I will want my students at the second grade level and above to learn how to use the programs on Microsoft office. Word and power point are important sources the students can use to write up their assignments or create presentations. At such an early grade level I do not think I will find any use in networking tools, such as social media or discussion boards. These might be too advanced for early education students, and would require much management and regulation. Though at the second grade level a software such as Moodle, or other learning management systems, would be helpful for creating a virtual classroom space that students could access with their parents help. These programs would help enrich the class environment and still be usable for a student at the age of 7-8. 

Assignment 3: Website Evaluation

Online sources can often be helpful tools to enhance students learning experience. For the subject of 4th grade science I have found 2 helpful sites that both fun and high quality.

1. e-learning for kids
     E-Learning for kids is a website designed to provide quality online learning to students regardless of where or who they are. The site is accessible for anyone with a computer and wants to enhance students existing knowledge. The site's science section provides multiple interactive lessons for students to participate in. This site is high quality because it is certified and accredited for educational use. The sites currency is supported by its news column which contained articles publish by the site, most recently January 8th. All of the links on the site also lead to their described sections. and provide relevant and updated lessons. The site is relevant for science instruction since it is provided by the Scienceworld, another site owned by the publishing company, curriculum. From the home page you can easy select the subject of science, and then when on the science page you can choose from grades K-6+ for subject level. After making these selections the link back to the home page is still located at the top of the screen for easy access. Content is all written legibly and can be filtered to show a specific topic. The site was founded by Prof. Dr. Nick Van Dam who has work for many years in the field of education, and has personal contact information given on the sites Team page. The site's About is not a mere page but an entire section dedicated to discussing the sites goal and the experience of its team members in order to show its authority. Though the webpage is a .org it still provides relevant content. The content provided on the site is accurate since it provides correct facts about science at the 4th grade level. The site establishes that its lessons plans come from the Scienceworld database. The sites purpose to give a source of quality education to all students. This is described in depth on the sites Manifesto page. The use of the sponsors in very public on the site, and even encourages users to donate to help support the site's mission. Professional and non-extreme language is used throughout the site to describe its features. Overall the site is reliable for providing educational lessons to students.

2. Funology
     Funology is a website which provides educational activities to keep students focused and interested. The website is updated regularly and has a blog featured within its main menu. It's currency is further shown by its 2018 copyright found at the bottom of the page. The links on the page function and send you to the sites sections. From the websites home page you can easily navigate from sections such as "crafts," "recipes," and "science." The science tab is also divided to allow students to select experiments from different topic areas. The home page is always accessible from the title at the top of the page. The information on the page also provides relevance since it is spelling error free. All the science experiments provided are at a level that 4th grade students will be able to understand. The sites authority can be found on the about page that is linked on the bottom of every page. The page credits that "Funology" is a site produced by Big Fish Designs, a company located in Washington D.C. that has created many other sites. The company's website is provided, and many contact links are provided on every page. The lessons on the page appear accurate, but are not just provided by the site. Teachers and Parents are able to submit projects, and are credited if their submission is used on the site. The sites purpose is to provide fun activities which parents can use to educate their children, rather than just allowing them to watch television. The site does indicate sponsorship as there are ads on the pages of the site, all though school or kid focused. The sites purpose is primarily entertainment as well as education, but remains focused in using appropriate language. This site is a good source for science activities to give to students.

Journal #3

     The ELA standards prescribe the Common Core State Standards for the subject of English Language Arts within multiple other subjects. There are specific standards in the ELA on how technology should be used within each grade level to further learning. I feel prepared to teach to teach the LAFS.1.RI.2.5 standard, which states students in first grade must be able to use multiple different features in the text in order to find information in the text. This skill is within my teaching abilities right now since I have experience using many different forms of literature. Within my own classes I have had to read articles, book chapters, and online textbooks. Because of this I understand how different forms of print and text are organized to show information. I will be required to learn more in order to teach the skill of LAFS.1.W.2.6, which states students should be able to use digital tools to create/publish writing. I have never been required to use a program other than MS word to type up my writing, so In will need to become acquainted with a variety of sites before I can properly teach this skill.

     Within my classroom I would like to use a variety of online tools to further my lesson plans. From MS office to other educational games that may be online or downloaded to the class computers. I plan to teach students in elementary school, preferably first or second grade. Meaning they will range in age from 6-8 years old during the school year. Despite being so young it is still important that the students understand the importance of digital citizenship. Children in modern times are increasingly young when they become tech savvy, so rules must be explained early. It will be important to teach respect for other students and their work they may do online in the classroom. This not only teaches the students that others have freedom of speech, but also creates a respectful environment that will not encourage cyber bullying. Students must also grasp academic dishonestly and learn not to copy work from online sources since this is plagiarism. It might not be appropriate to teach the students to avoid hacking and malware, but he concepts should still be touched on. Teaching these concepts early promotes a healthier online space.

     While working on my newsletter I had to fine tune my formatting abilities on a word document. I had never before made a newsletter like document and had to learn how to make many stylistic choices with the header and the columns arrangement. I enjoyed how my layout looked visually in the finished document. Using headings to divide the sections and using different styles, shaded lists and order forms, created a well rounded document. I did not like how my final banner looked on my document though, as I am not the best graphic designer. I tried to make it look balanced with the gecko images on the side, but in the end it bland to me. The assignment itself made me think about all the little non-teaching things that are required to run a classroom. This document was not to instruct the children on academics but rather to inform guardians about upcoming events. I'm glad this project made me look at new forms of structure in a document, rather than just a typed up essay. Next time I create a newsletter I want to figure out a more visually pleasing way, and create a template that I could use for my actual future classroom.