5365+Embedded+Assignment+Reflection

|| == Course Name: == || == Course-based Embedded Hours ==
 * == Course Number: ==

(see Appendix I)
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 * ** EDLD 5365  **   ||   **  Web Design  **   ||  **  14  **  ||
 * == Description of the ==

(see Appendix I)
|| Using the Web-based word processor in Google Docs, create a Web policy for your school that addresses the security, legal and ethical issues raised in this week’s lecture, readings and discussions. || ·  The knowledge you gained from the assignment. (2 points) · The relation of new information to Technology Facilitator Standards and Performance Indicators (2 points). · The relation of information gained to personal experience. (2 points) · Discussion at a critical level, not just recitation of facts. Discussion at a critical level means discussing things such as your opinion of the reading or experience, why you hold that onion, what you see wrong with the reading or experience, how you see the reading or experience is consistent or inconsistent with what you have learned so far, implications for the future, (4 ) · Insights into the patterns of interactions of colleagues.(2 points) · Group processes including: who had power, authority, or influence; who was participating and who was not, who was not included, how did you or another leader draw the silent participants out; was there confrontation, conflict, consensus, agreement, hurt feelings? (2 points) · Notations addressing the affective or feeling tone evident, concerns you noticed. (2 points) · Questions you have that you should research or about which you can seek expert advice from your campus-based supervisor or your professor. (2 points) · Issues that puzzle you. (2 points) || As a future technology leader one of my top goals will be to use technology to unite the school / district with the community. More specifically I believe, “school leaders can use Web 2.0 tools the way that business leaders do to help their organizations” (Solomon & Schrum 2009). These new tools can promote creativity, collaboration, and communication. However, with these new technologies come new challenges. The assignment completed in EDLD 5365 – Web Development and Design gave me a good sense and direction to overcome these challenges. The creation of a ** Web Site Development and Management Policy ** has been extremely beneficial to my understanding of several components of school policies. By considering the effect the new knowledge had on my existence experience, how I successfully completed the assignment, and how the learning led to more investigation I can deepen my understanding of this important topic.  I can remember some years back in a workshop, when I learned about our district’s Acceptable Use policy and the need for update. Social networking was increasing and it was being accessed at our school, by staff and students. I see this time as a real turning point in the attitude of the district. Concerned and frightened about student safety and privacy rights, extreme filtering and blocking became the norm leading to negative attitudes regarding computer use. I now understand that these radical actions by the district could have been avoided if a modern updated Website and Acceptable Use policy had been in place. “It is time to take those AUPs off the self, unfold them, and add a whole new layer (Warlick 2006). Warlick also argues that fact that the policy should not be simply designed as a preventative tool. It should be an enabling document that promotes effective uses, solves problems and accomplishes objectives. Having a continuous Web Committee that examines policy regularly is needed. Staying current on legal requirements, copyright and intellectual property, security, needs for diverse learners, accessibility for all, web page standards, acceptable communication and collaborative tools, and more should be available for the community to understand. It is possible that if teachers and / or students would have had a safe well designed website that social networking options linked to education the hysteria would not have taken place.  While taking on the challenge of creating the Web Site Development and Management Policy, I used several technology related strategies that were crucial to my successful completion of the project. These approaches included web research, online templates for planning, and virtual environments for collaboration. It is amazing how information is available with a computer and internet connection. I was able to view my district’s current AUP and other policies, district web pages and their properties, other schools and their web management and acceptable use policies. Combining these with the access to libraries of reference, latest research and trends, and communication with online learning communities you can acquire a good bit of knowledge. Following the direction of professor facilitation, the templates were very helpful. Step by step planners, timelines, and project templates ensure coverage and accuracy. I am amazed with the quantum leap that can be felt with Google Documents. It is important for two reasons to use this Web 2.0 tool. First, the entire committee can meet, sign in, brainstorm, say hello, or communicate excellent well thought out ideas at one given http address. Being able to contribute 24/7 from any online connection can and should be the standard in education. I know at the end of my 10 hour day guiding 12 year olds, is not my most clairvoyant time of the day. However, allow me to communicate a couple hours later or on Sunday morning and I am good. Second, doing is the best way to learn. Since a major focus of the new Web Management policy focuses on Web.2.0 tools, the policy committee should model the use entirely. There are many thoughts and questions that linger after the completion of this assignment. During the research phase of my assignment I had the opportunity to visit many other school sites. I wrote in the policy goal that the school will create and maintain a modern interactive user focused website to facilitate broad participation among all stakeholders in the community. I would agree that a school leader is responsible for facilitating that vision, however support, collaboration, agreement is the key for a successful policy. My learning and experiences with the Web policy has opened my eyes to many challenges and many innovative solutions. As a future technology leader one of my top goals will be to use technology to unite the school / district with the community. These new tools can promote creativity, collaboration, and communication. However, with these new technologies come new challenges. The assignment completed in EDLD 5365 – Web Development and Design gave me a good sense and direction to overcome these challenges. The creation of a Web Site Development and Management Policy has been extremely beneficial to my understanding of several components of school policies. By considering the effect the new knowledge had on my existence experience, how I successfully completed the assignment, and how the learning led to more investigation I can deepen my understanding of this important subject. Solomon, G., & Schrum, L. (2007). // Web 2.0: New Tools, New Schools //. Eugene,OR: International Society for Technology in Education. Warlick, D. (2006). About blogmeister. Retrieved October 24, 2010, from article []  ||