EDLD+5366+Reflection+Week+5

Reflection EDLD 5366 __Self- Assessment__ The assignment of creating a website was very difficult for me. I had to learn to work with a group with varying areas of technology knowledge. I learned how to help guide classmates with the technical issues. I am grateful that I was able to help my classmates through this project. I was able to expand my troubleshooting techniques. My previous ideas were that web designing is point and click. I now know that much thought and deliberation goes into each page of the website. This is a process that will help in my future as a technology leader. I had to let go of my old ideas and embrace the assignment. I knew going in that graphics was not strength of mine. I focused on the CRAP designs that we learned in week one. This was able to guide me into created a pleasing and user-friendly page.

__Learn as a Learner__ I began working on my portion of the website focusing on the information needed in the webpage. I realized after much thought that the elements of design needed to be the main focus in order for the website to flow correctly. Once I shifted gears I was able to relax and enjoy the process. I learned through visiting other websites for ideas and inspiration. I was able to examine many great and some not so great websites to see what was needed for my assignment. I examined my classmate’s pages and collaborated with them to help ensure that our pages were aligned with similar qualities. I arranged a web conference in order to meet “face to face”. This was very beneficial as we were able to pin down each person’s job in the assignment. We shared cell numbers and texted frequently throughout the process for questions and guidance. I believe that we had a great group and communication was the best tool in completing the project. It was hard not to sit face to face, but we worked through the obstacles and ended up with a product we are proud of.

__Lifelong Learning Skills__ The skills learned in this course will impact my future as a technology leader. I was able to practice leadership skills, listening skills, troubleshooting skills, and design skills. All of which will be needed when I decide to leap into the technology world. I was able to work on several different ways of collaboration. I had never led a web conference before. I was able to set it up and trouble shoot the issues. Our personal schedules kept us from holding a second one, but for the short amount of time we had it was perfect. I feel confident that I could schedule and host a web conference in the future when the time comes. As a learner my main concern personally is being able to recall or locate information that you need when you need it. Learners absorb and find tons of great information. It is not easy to keep that information handy. I am always working on ways to easily locate what I need, when I need it. __Implementation__ Websites can be a great way to keep in touch with parents. Teachers of 5th grade and up can use websites to host students work. They can collaborate on essays together. The younger grades can have classroom websites that have educational games on them, classroom information; there can be a discussion board where students can chat without the fear of cyber bullies. Websites can be very beneficial in a classroom setting if proper means are in place for safety and integrity.

Gerstein, J. (2011), Where is reflection in the learning process? retrieved from []. __ wordpress.com/2011/08/16/where-is-reflection-in-the-learning-process/ __Feb. 18, 2012.

Rundle, M (2006). How C.R.A.P. is Your Site Design? Learn with Treehouse. Category: Design. retrieved from [] Feb. 18, 2012.

Williams, R. (2008). The Non-Designer’s Design Book. (Overview PPT) Third edition.