EDLD 5366 - Course Reflection

The web site creation was a great experience. It not only required us to apply the design principles but also the technology in education knowledge we have acquired over the past 18 months. The design principles of contrast, repetition, alignment, and proximity (C.R.A.P.) were a new way of looking at how graphics make an impact on my learning. By analyzing graphical information, I learned it was conveying more information than just a pleasing composition similar to the way an author uses word to impart a deeper meaning to a story (Hernandez, 2009). I now look at advertisements, billboards, and other graphics in a different light; looking for the underlying message.

The name of our website, Revolutionizing Your School, set the tone and direction of the website. A brand was needed to convey this idea and what was going to be shared on the site (Alcantara, n. d.). Using C.R.A.P. we created the logo indicating the move from the traditional school to one that is futuristic. The logo colors determined our color palette for the website. One item that seemed to be consistent in the design was the use of videos and digital graphics to support or reinforce the information being delivered. As we completed our chosen page, the others in the group would review and make suggestions for improvement. I found this to be a beneficial method to learn how to apply the concepts. It permitted other voices to be heard and resulted in a site that demonstrates unity and organization.

I have created a professional website that is used to share technology applications and research with the faculty on my campus. I have received good response to the content being presented; however, with the understanding of the design principles, I need to take time to revamp some aspects of the website to create a more consistent design. I wonder what would happen if I were to redesign how I present information in training through the use of C.R.A.P. and more digital imagery?  Will the participants be more engaged and retain more of the knowledge?

To view our site: Revolutionizing Your School

Websites in the PK-12 Classroom

Throughout our coursework for Educational Technology Leadership, we have analyzed the use of technology in the classroom. One of the most flexible technologies is a good website. Websites in the PK-12 classroom can be used in multiples ways. Teachers use their websites to communication with parents and students about their classroom, assignments, projects and other information. For instructional purposes, students are able to use websites to delve deeper into concepts being taught. For elementary schools, interactive websites help support learning of basic skills. As students mature, they can create websites with information to present their knowledge or to help teach others. Collaboration is another way sites can be used in the classroom. Being able to share thoughts and ideas with others that either agree or disagree help students learn how to express themselves. These are just a few of the ways I have and can use websites in PK-12 classrooms.



Alcantara, L. (n.d.) The art of self-branding: Part 1. Lealea Design. Retrieved February 6, 2012 from http://www.lealea.net/blog/comments/the-art-of-self-branding-part-one/

Hernandez, M. (2009). Basic Design Principles. Retrieved on February 3, 2012 from http://www.scribd.com/doc/23940707/Contrast-Repetition-Alignment-Proximity

Johnson, B. (2012, January 26). College readiness: Learning collaboratively. Edutopia. Retrieved on February 17, 2012 from http://www.edutopia.org/blog/college-readiness-collaborative-learning-ben-johnson

EDLD 5366 - Business Card - Week 1

The design of the business card reflects my personality, using bright colors and a clean font. The mouse graphic from Microsoft's online gallery determined the color scheme. To use as a teaching tool, the first design element, contrast, is found in the different font sizes and the colors being used. The pink color of the font and mouse wheel demonstrates the second element, repetition. Alignment of the text and graphic on the left and the text on the right establishes the third element. The final design element, proximity, is found in the grouping of my name and title and the contact information.

EDLD 5366 - Manuscript Reflection - Week 1

Manuscript -- Henry VIII's Psalter

Location -- http://ttpdownload.bl.uk/app_files/silverlight/default.html?id=3FF14446-29B5-4198-B32A-FB42C43A4B71

This manuscript, created for King Henry VIII, was beautifully illustrated. All four principles of design are represented in this particular sample. Contrast can be found in the use of color in the illustrations. Light colors offset by darker colors bring the viewers attention to specific parts of the pictures. Another example of this design element is the use of colorful, decorative capital letters at the beginning of each psalm verse contrasts with the smaller, black characters of the remainder. These are repeated throughout the manuscript. Repetition is found in the use of rotating ornamental graphics placed at the end of the verses. These are used to fill in the empty space at the end of the verse to insure the lines all end on the right-hand margin. Examples of the final element, proximity, are the illustrations that are placed beside specific verses to bring attention to the message. This manuscript was bound in red velvet with silver-guilt corner pieces and clasp demonstrating the importance of this document.