Blog Post #8

One important skill I developed during the Web Design assignment was learning how to structure information for an online audience. Designing the site required careful attention to site's layout and navigation. so visitors could quickly find important information. For example, I used visual hierarchy by organizing the page into sections such as announcements, assignments, and resources. I also applied consistency by using the same fonts, colors, and heading styles across pages. Additionally, I used alignment and spacing to keep the layout organized and avoid clutter, improving readability for students and parents.

I enjoyed the creative process of designing a digital space that could realistically be used by students and families. It was interesting to think about what information parents and students need and how to present it clearly. One challenge was learning Weebly's tools and structuring the page so it looked professional. However, this experience showed me how thoughtful design improves communication. Website design skills will be valuable in my future career as an educator because many schools expect teachers to maintain class websites for announcements, assignments, and resources.

QR codes can be a powerful tool for making classroom materials more interactive and accessible. One creative way I could use QR codes in my classroom is by creating a “learning stations” activity where students move around the room and scan QR codes to access different resources. For example, in a history lesson, each QR code could link to a short video, primary source document, or interactive question related to a different historical event. Students could work in small groups and rotate between stations, scanning the QR codes with their devices to explore each resource. This approach encourages movement, engagement, and self-directed learning while also allowing the teacher to provide multiple types of content in one lesson. QR codes could also be placed on classroom displays or worksheets so students can quickly access supplemental materials or explanations.

Case Study

A teacher uses an AI tool to automatically generate lesson plans, discussion questions, and grading feedback for student assignments. The teacher begins relying heavily on the AI system and provides feedback to students that was generated almost entirely by the tool without reviewing it carefully. Some students notice that the feedback is generic and sometimes does not accurately reflect their work.

An ethical response to this situation would be for the teacher to use AI tools as a supporting productivity tool rather than a replacement for professional judgment. AI can help generate initial drafts of lesson plans or feedback, but teachers should review and personalize the output before sharing it with students. This ensures that feedback is accurate, meaningful, and tailored to each student’s work. Teachers also have a responsibility to maintain transparency and uphold professional standards in their instructional practices. By using technology thoughtfully and maintaining oversight of AI-generated content, educators can benefit from increased efficiency while still providing students with high-quality instruction and individualized feedback.