Blog Post #5

     The design principles I implemented while developing my website were rooted in simplicity, content relevance, and user-friendliness. I used colorful fonts, images, and additional graphics to make the site appealing and engaging, but I did not use excessive amounts of these elements to keep my website consistent and easy to follow. For instance, each page on the site had titles bolded or colored, an image relevant to the page's content, and a consistent writing style, emphasizing consistency throughout the site. These elements also make it easy for me to add additional content throughout the school year! In my experience designing the website, I enjoyed the creativity and digital elements that went into the assignment. This assignment taught me a lot about what I might want to include in a website I may design in the future, and also what I would like to see in other sites I’m using. Additionally, the skills I used to complete this website will not only help me in designing other websites, but also complete other creative tasks to make my future classroom or office more engaging. 

Here's the QR code to easily access my website!

    Creative ways I may implement QR codes in my classroom are for fun activities and assignments. Instead of using paper worksheets and making students work individually, I can save paper resources and create digital activities by placing QR codes around my classroom. Examples of these potential activities include classroom scavenger hunts, task cards, and activity stations, with the instructions of each station given on the codes. This also keeps grading easy while keeping the classroom organized and on task. Some other ideas would be to include QR codes in my classroom newsletter and on my website so parents can easily access and navigate student resources. 

Case Study: A 6th-grade math teacher has begun integrating an AI grading platform for accurate and timely grading. She loves this platform because it not only highlights incorrect answers but also provides feedback for her to give to her students. Although this is a great tool and gives the instructor more flexibility and freedom to enhance her classroom in other ways, she begins to rely on this AI grading platform too heavily and, over time, stops reviewing student work entirely. This is making students notice errors in grading, and is raising concerns about the fairness of grading.

    To address this case, I would use the AI grading tool as a tool or resource when grading student work, but not rule out the possibility of errors on the platform. I would still review student work and try to provide additional feedback unique to my perspective as their instructor. Using this tool as a reference, as opposed to the only way to grade student work, will not only save me time and effort, but also keep me actively evaluating student understanding and ensuring accuracy of grading. This powerful resource should be used responsibly in the classroom and help maintain integrity rather than take over completely.