Cassie H EME2040 Blog

During my K-12 education, I experienced distance learning primarily through platforms like Zoom and Google Classroom. Zoom was used for live lessons, allowing interaction with teachers and classmates, while Google Classroom served as a hub for assignments and announcements. These technologies were effective for maintaining communication and organization, but sometimes internet connectivity issues and lack of hands-on support made learning challenging. I haven’t had the chance to use any virtual reality tools but I’d love to experience them because they could make learning more engaging and provide immersive experiences, especially for subjects like science or history. Open educational resources (OER) are free, accessible learning materials available for anyone to use, adapt, and share. These resources include things like digital textbooks, videos, quizzes, and lesson plans, often created by educators or institutions. They help reduce costs for students and make educational content mor...

Working on the Web Design assignment taught me valuable skills in creating visually appealing and user-friendly websites. I applied design principles such as consistency, ensuring that each page had a uniform color scheme and font style to create a cohesive look. I also used the principle of visual hierarchy by making headings bold and larger to draw attention, while keeping body text smaller for readability. I really enjoyed the creative freedom this project offered, allowing me to experiment with layouts and color palettes, but I found inputting certain elements to be challenging at times. These website design skills will be incredibly useful in my future career, as I can apply them to create professional portfolios, educational resources, or even wellness blogs that promote health and exercise. My website can be accessed through the QR code below!

Many school websites feature teacher pages where educators provide important information about their classes. These pages often include course syllabi, homework assignments, classroom expectations, and contact information for the teacher. Some schools also post announcements, learning resources, or links to external tools like Google Classroom or Khan Academy. While public access is usually limited, students and parents with log-in credentials may be able to see additional content such as grades, discussion boards, and private messages. For example, at my high school, my teachers would list their daily schedules/course overviews, post about classroom updates, and send out information via the inbox tool. (Cannot provide link due to login credentials being needed. Here is the homepage though, https://www.holynamestpa.org/)  Working on Assignment 2 using the Canvas group tool was a mixed experience. I appreciated how easy it was to communicate with my group members and it being ...

Using generative AI tools for lesson plan design was an insightful experience, as it demonstrated how AI can streamline the planning process and provide creative ideas that I may not have initially considered. One of the biggest benefits I see in using AI for lesson planning is its ability to generate structured outlines and differentiated activities quickly, saving valuable time for educators. However, I do have concerns about over-reliance on AI, as it may lead to a lack of personal touch or critical thinking in designing lessons that meet the unique needs of students. Despite this, I would consider using AI in my future instruction as a supplementary tool to enhance my plans, but I would always review and modify the content to ensure it aligns with my teaching goals and student needs. Beyond lesson plan design, I envision using generative AI in other teaching practices, such as providing feedback on student work, creating engaging classroom materials, and developing personalized le...

After participating in this week’s Graded Discussion Activity, I have gained a deeper understanding of the advantages and limitations of using generative AI tools like ChatGPT for searching information. One of the main benefits I see is how AI can summarize complex topics quickly, providing a clear and concise answer without requiring me to sift through multiple links. This makes it a valuable tool for efficiency, especially when I need direct answers or explanations. However, I also recognize some concerns, such as the potential for AI to generate outdated or biased information, as it does not always provide direct sources for verification. While AI tools offer a more conversational and user-friendly experience, I am hesitant to completely replace Google with AI for all my searches. Traditional search engines allow me to cross-reference multiple sources and access primary data, which is important for academic research or fact-checking. Additionally, AI-generated responses may not alwa...

One of the ELA technology standards for grades 11-12 is LAFS.1112.W.1.2, which focuses on writing informative and explanatory texts. This standard emphasizes the ability to clearly convey complex ideas through effective organization, analysis, and use of multimedia elements. Students are expected to structure their writing in a way that logically builds on previous points, incorporate relevant evidence, and use precise language. Additionally, they should integrate formatting tools like headings, graphics, and digital media to enhance comprehension. I feel mostly prepared to implement this standard based on my current skill set. My background in writing and analysis, along with experience using digital tools such as word and graphic designers, align well with the expectations. However, I could improve my ability to strategically incorporate multimedia elements, such as interactive visuals or data presentations, to make information more engaging.  One useful resource in the CPALMS Ed...