Blog Post #8

        In the process of completing my WebDesign assignment, I was constantly thinking of the CRAP principles. Repetition and alignment were two elements that I kept in mind, when making my WebDesign. Since for me, that was the most challenging part of adding sections and dividers to make it look even and organized. I liked the overall layout of the platform that we created this assignment, for it provided the tools to create a useful teacher website. I can see utilizing this platform to create future websites because it was an easy system to follow and you are able to get very creative with it. 

        I find QR codes an incredible advancement in technology, as it makes online information easily more accessible. I recall from my high school, we would use QR codes for bathroom passes and much more. I also remember doing a scavenger hunt with QR codes that was very fun, educational and interactive. So I would do implement in my classroom a scavenger hunt activity using QR codes for my students. I would put QR codes all over the classroom that have different activities all around the classroom, to then having students get up and work in groups to complete each activity. This would create a fun, engaging and interactive activity for the students 

        Below is the case study I am bringing up, which is the one I posted in the Padlet. It discusses the ethical issues of having a collaborative platform where students can share short stories and receive feedback from each other. Bringing up different ethical issues of students using inappropriate comments and creating a gateway for cyberbullying. I would address these issues starting with establishing guidelines of proper internet etiquette. Revealing to my students my expectations and being clear of the consequences for inappropriate behavior, like receiving 0 in the assignment. I would also make sure in the educational app settings that only the students in the classroom or school only have access. Decreasing the chances of public access entering the assignment. 

Prompt

I plan to be a 6th grade english teacher, and I want you to generate an ethical case related to educational technology use, and provide a solution

Case

As a new 6th-grade English teacher, you introduce a popular educational app for students to use in class and at home to encourage reading and writing. This app allows students to share short stories and feedback with each other, fostering peer engagement and creativity. However, you soon notice that some students are posting inappropriate comments, and there are concerns about privacy since the app shares students' work publicly by default. One student's parents raise concerns that this might lead to cyberbullying or expose their child to harmful interactions.

Ethical Dilemma: How do you balance the app's educational benefits with ensuring students' safety, privacy, and emotional well-being?

Solution:

1. Adjust Privacy Settings: Review the app's privacy settings and modify them to ensure students' work is shared only with classmates or within the school. Disable any features that allow public access to student work.

2. Establish Guidelines: Create a digital citizenship policy for your classroom. Include clear guidelines about respectful interactions, constructive feedback, and consequences for inappropriate behavior.

3. Involve Parents and Students: Host a discussion with students on digital etiquette and talk with parents about the app’s safety measures. Ensure everyone is aware of privacy protections and encourage parents to engage with their child’s digital activity.

4. Regular Monitoring: Consistently monitor the platform for any inappropriate behavior. Provide a way for students to report uncomfortable interactions anonymously, helping to prevent issues before they escalate.

5. Alternative Options: Consider allowing students to use a more private platform if any parents are uncomfortable with the app’s public aspects, or offer paper-based options as an alternative for assignments requiring technology. This approach balances the educational use of technology with ethical considerations for student safety and privacy.