EDLD+5365


 * Reflection EDLD 5365 Web Design **

This course concentrated on web design and development. Keeping students and data safe and secure are important—ethically and legally. The responsibility of making sure students are safe when surfing, blogging, or using wiki-spaces is one of the main duties of a technology leader. In this course the guidelines of creating a web page were given. Making sure students, parents and staff understand the Acceptable use policy, and are familiar with the web guidelines for the district and campus. Information was given about what “is and is not” acceptable for web usage was investigated. Topics such as appropriate language in chat rooms, consequences for misusage of web privileges, teacher page content and general page requirements were discussed. Having a code of ethics is important. “Teachers and students should be honest, fair, and courageous in gathering, interpreting and expressing information for the benefit of others” (Solomon & Schrum, 2007). Detailed planning and research will assist in creating a good web site guide. With the signing of CIPA (Child Internet Protection Act) schools were mandated to install filtering systems. With the passing of this law, schools must take caution in making sure the filter does not inhibit the teacher’s effort to provide an enhanced learning experience for students. During this the requirements, rules and standards that one should follow when creating a school related web site were outlined and explored. Print size, color, usability, accessibility, band width, navigation, graphics and maintenance were some of the key topics that were also addressed. ”Knowledge is power! Gaining a solid understanding of the Web and how sites succeed will allow you to make well-informed decisions about creating and maintaining one of your own” (Kaiser, 2006). This course provided the guidelines for creating first class web site from vision to finished product.

** References **   Solomon, G., & Schrum, (2007). //Web 2.0: New tools, new schools. Eugene, OR: // for Technology in Education Kaiser, S. (2006). // Deliver first class web sites: 101 essential checklists //. Collingwood, VIC, Australia: Sitepoint.