During this Multimedia Web Design course I have had the opportunity to develop my skills of using the design elements for structure as well as visual appeal when creating web pages and online or multimedia content for my students to use. While I have always found myself designing online coursework to look a certain way, I now see how what I have been choosing to do fits within the five design principles of proximity, alignment, repetition, contrast, and consistency as outlined by Williams (2006). I will certainly be more observant of these design elements from here on though, especially as I work to make pages and modules easy to navigate and follow for my students as well as fellow teachers.
One of my largest takeaways from this course was the knowledge gained of what makes a good WebQuest, and how to create one of my own. While I was familiar with the idea of a WebQuest prior to this course, I had never completed or created a WebQuest in my teaching career. Now I am walking away from this course with a working WebQuest that integrates my content standards with those of ISTE. I worked hard to not overdo the project and create something that was realistic for my students to complete during a typical unit. Too often I feel like I create elaborate projects that then must be cut down in order to have my students complete them within a realistic time frame. As a technology leader for my school, creating the WebQuest reminded me to be cognizant of what I am expecting of those I am working with, whether it be a student or teacher. While I would have thought that everybody had worked with WebQuests before, I had not, and it took me longer to complete the project to the level that I felt comfortable with. Students and teachers should have expectations placed upon them that are realistic and yet still push them out of their comfort zone little by little.
Moving forward from this class I am left wondering more about assistive technology and how it is being used in my school. Due to this course taking place in the summer I had to work with a high school student using AT instead of someone at my own school. I am very excited to get back to school this fall and continue conversations with the special education staff regarding what resources they have available, and how comfortable they feel using technologies with their students. I have begun some of these conversations already and am excited to offer my services and knowledge to these teachers!
Williams, R. & Tollett, J. (2006). The non-designer's Web book : an easy guide to creating, designing, and posting your own Web site. Berkeley, Calif: Peachpit Press.
One of my largest takeaways from this course was the knowledge gained of what makes a good WebQuest, and how to create one of my own. While I was familiar with the idea of a WebQuest prior to this course, I had never completed or created a WebQuest in my teaching career. Now I am walking away from this course with a working WebQuest that integrates my content standards with those of ISTE. I worked hard to not overdo the project and create something that was realistic for my students to complete during a typical unit. Too often I feel like I create elaborate projects that then must be cut down in order to have my students complete them within a realistic time frame. As a technology leader for my school, creating the WebQuest reminded me to be cognizant of what I am expecting of those I am working with, whether it be a student or teacher. While I would have thought that everybody had worked with WebQuests before, I had not, and it took me longer to complete the project to the level that I felt comfortable with. Students and teachers should have expectations placed upon them that are realistic and yet still push them out of their comfort zone little by little.
Moving forward from this class I am left wondering more about assistive technology and how it is being used in my school. Due to this course taking place in the summer I had to work with a high school student using AT instead of someone at my own school. I am very excited to get back to school this fall and continue conversations with the special education staff regarding what resources they have available, and how comfortable they feel using technologies with their students. I have begun some of these conversations already and am excited to offer my services and knowledge to these teachers!
Williams, R. & Tollett, J. (2006). The non-designer's Web book : an easy guide to creating, designing, and posting your own Web site. Berkeley, Calif: Peachpit Press.