CCFSU

  Growing up, I experienced distance learning mainly during the pandemic. My school used platforms like Zoom, Google Classroom, and Khan Academy. Zoom was hit or miss depending on the internet connection, but Google Classroom kept things pretty organized. I liked how I could go back and review assignments at my own pace. However, it was hard to stay motivated without in person interaction. I haven’t used newer tools like virtual reality (VR) for learning, but I think it would be really cool to experience something immersive like doing a virtual science lab or taking a history “field trip” through VR. It might’ve helped keep things more engaging and interactive. OERs are basically free learning materials like textbooks, videos, lesson plans, or full courses that teachers and students can use and even adapt without worrying about copyright. They’re a great way to make education more accessible. I found this blog post that breaks it down really well  "What are Open Educational...

 Working on the Web Design assignment helped me learn how to organize information in a way that's fun and easy for 5th graders to understand. I used the design principle of repetition by keeping the same fonts and colors on every page to make my website look neat and consistent. I also used balance and alignment by centering the titles and using columns to separate text and pictures, especially on the “Regions” and “Civics” pages. I really liked choosing images and creating a layout that would keep young students interested, but I found it a little tricky to make sure everything looked good on both desktop and mobile devices. In the future, these website design skills will help me create educational tools, online portfolios, or classroom resources if I become a teacher or work in curriculum development. Here’s the QR code linking to my website:

  #fsu2040

Leon High School building in Tallahassee, Florida. Photo by  Tim Ross . Photo via <a href="https://www.goodfreephotos.com/">Good Free Photos</a> This photo is under the  CC0 / Public Domain  License. 

 I checked out some teacher pages on Leon High School’s website ( https://www.leonschools.net/leon ). Publicly, these class pages typically show basic information like the teacher’s name, contact details, class schedule, and sometimes links to external resources or syllabi. Some pages include reminders about upcoming assignments, tests, or events, and others list helpful links for students needing extra support. However, most detailed information like grades, attendance records, or specific homework submissions is password protected, so only parents or students can access it. Working on Assignment 2 using the Canvas group tool was overall convenient, but it had some drawbacks. I liked how easy it was to message other group members and upload files directly into our shared space. However, I disliked the limited notification options, which sometimes caused delays because group members didn't immediately see updates. If I had to recommend another tool, I'd suggest using Microsoft ...

 Using generative AI tools for lesson plan design has been an eye-opening experience. I found that AI can help streamline the planning process by generating structured outlines, suggesting engaging activities, and even providing differentiated instruction ideas. One major benefit is the ability to quickly adapt lesson plans to different learning styles and student needs, saving valuable time for educators. However, I do have some concerns, particularly regarding the accuracy of AI-generated content and the potential risk of over-reliance on technology rather than personal expertise and creativity. Despite these concerns, I would consider using AI in future instruction because it serves as a helpful assistant, enhancing rather than replacing the teacher’s role in the classroom. Beyond lesson plan design, I envision using generative AI in various other teaching practices, such as creating formative assessments, generating discussion prompts, and even assisting with grading. AI could ...