Blog Post #8

     I learned a lot of new skills through the Web Design Assignment. I've never done any website making before so everything was pretty new to me. There were so many helpful tools on Weebly, like adding a map and calendar to a web page. I used the CRAP design principles when creating my website. There is contrast in the white background and the black text plus colorful banners. I used repeated fonts on all the pages for headers and body text. Using the dividers and separator tools everything is aligned with the items below, above, and next to it. And the info shows effective proximity, grouped together and with clear differentiation between the elements. The QR code at the bottom of this post will bring you to my site!

    QR codes could be used in some many different ways in the classroom. In classrooms i've subbed in, I have seen a QR code for the kids to use to sign out when they go to the bathroom and one to bring them to different educational games they can play in free time. In my classroom I'd definitely incorporate both of those if my school/students have access to an iPad or an iPhone. I'd love to also have QR codes with links to read-alouds, for students who may not be able to concentrate by just reading during free time, and codes with links to math help videos if students feel like they need a different/more in depth explanation on a topic.

Here is the case I will be examining: As a kindergarten teacher, you might have access to educational apps and digital learning tools that promise to enhance early childhood learning, from interactive storybooks to games that teach foundational concepts like letters, numbers, and shapes. However, these apps and tools often involve significant screen time. Research indicates that too much screen time for young children can affect their social, emotional, and cognitive development. 

    I would address this by using a balanced technology approach. I would use the educational apps in short, structured sections, making sure to not spend extended periods of times on devices. Hands-on and physical lessons have always worked and that hasn't changed so I would still make sure to use those more than their digital counterparts. I would also encourage parents to create healthy screen time habits at home. This would be an ethical solution because I am prioritizing the students development while still allowing them to benefit from educational technology. Additionally, not all students have access to technology at home, so balancing hands-on activities with technology ensures all students can learn effectively.