Educational Technology Mac Loeblein

 As an instructor, I would use data collection tools such as Qualtrics to obtain feedback from students. For numeric values and averages, I could have them rate different aspects of the class on a scale from 1 to 10. I might compare grade levels and see if there are any differences that can be attributed to age. I could have students submit text responses if they have any specific ideas on how the class could be improved. If I pursue the field related to my major (Editing, Writing, and Media), I could use data collection for surveys that I could then analyze and possibly write about. 

 When designing my website, I paid close attention to contrast. I used white text against a primarily dark green background, allowing it to stand out and be perfectly legible. I implemented repetition by using a consistent style and font across each page. I made sure to make use of proximity principles by spacing out paragraphs and different information. A QR code to my website is featured below:

 On the class website I found, I noticed that the teacher's name was featured as well as the courses they teach. Each course is identified by its course code on the top of the page. Each course tab features information about the class and a list of lessons, assignments, and coursework. This information was organized by unit. The website also features important announcements. The website is linked here:  https://williamsresources.weebly.com/home.html I think that the Canvas group tool  was very user-friendly and easy to figure out. It was very simple to input information and have it presented the way you wanted. However, I do not think the Canvas group tool is as collaborative as other digital group tools such as Google Docs. Unlike Google Docs, you could not see who was active in the group or where they were in the project.

 I believe that generative AI can help teachers form a very strong base for their lesson plan. However, I found generative AI's ability to revise lesson plans to be rather lacking. I believe the best way to use generative AI for lesson plans is to gather ideas or outlines from what is generated, then tweak those to suit your class best. I would possibly consider using generative AI in class if I was really struggling to come up with a lesson plan, but I would make sure to make it my own by editing or revising it. I think that some teachers will use generative AI to come up with creative or engaging assignments for students. This is one way that I might consider using it, but I would avoid simply copying it. Teachers should put some level of effort into generating assignments. Using AI to generate ideas then working from there is probably the ideal purpose of the technology in education.

     The grade 4 ELA technology standard LAFS.4.RI.3.7 expects that students are able to analyze differently presented information in texts and explain their significance. They would use child-friendly media sites, basic online graphing tools, and online presentation software like Prezi. I feel prepared to implement this standard with my current skillset. I have experience using some of this software myself, and I believe that they are easy for students to learn and implement themselves.     In the CPALMS Educator Toolkit, I found a lesson plan entitled "Roman Republic: Contributions to Democratic Principles." In the lesson, students would connect the concepts of separation of power, rule of law, and democracy from the Roman Republic to the United States government. It is intended for a 6th grade class and requires a computer, projector, presentation, and attached worksheet. I believe that I would tweak the lesson plan to the needs of whatever class I was t...

 I have learned more about the various copyright licenses that creators have at their disposal. As an instructor, I would ensure that all the materials I used were being fairly used according to their creative commons license. I would also add creative commons licenses to appropriate class materials. I would do my best to instruct my students how to attribute information and materials fairly. Academic dishonesty is a consistent problem in classrooms as students grow increasingly aware of digital tools. Generative AI has accentuated this problem, as students can use it to essentially do their homework for them. If I suspected a student of using generative AI to complete an assignment, I would do my best to verify first before asking them or taking action. I would check the version history and hopefully see if the content had simply been paste into the document. From there, I would ask the student about it and request that they summarize their work. If a student admits to using gener...

 I will apply what I have learned in this class to whatever field I pursue in the future, as I have learned more about how to use common workplace programs. I have gained more experience with programs I was not very familiar with before, such as Excel. I have also deepened my understanding of programs I am familiar with, such as PowerPoint. If I pursue education, both of these programs will be effective for managing a classroom. My prior experience using technology in an educational setting has been as a student. I have grown up using programs like Word and PowerPoint as I have used those for countless projects and presentations. I began using Canvas at the beginning of college. Before this class, I had little experience using Excel. I currently am interested in learning new strategies for writing and editing. My major is Editing, Writing, and Media so I have taken many classes that have increased my knowledge of these skills. I also have my internship as another way to boost my sk...