Reflections on Digital Graphics and Web Designs
Janet Lumpkins
As I reflect on the topics I learned in this class, I have to say that the CRAP principles applied to all of our assignments was a new and enlightening focus that I had never thought about previously. When I think about how the new information affected my perceptions, I have to admit I had really not thought about it. However, I am subconsciously directing my students with assignments that incorporate contrast (colors on flyers and charts), repetition and alignment (using bullets and numbering) and proximity (creating logos and letterheads). Due to the concentration of the focal points addressed by the CRAP principles, I had a heightened direction to creating projects that highlighted these concepts. In addition, as I look at documents, advertisements and even the visual assignments I present to my students, I am more cognizant of the way in which I present them. Will they be more attentive because I have presented the material with contrast or repetition? Will they notice important facts because they see alignment and proximity? This is the knowledge my classmates and I used on our website project and I will definitely take back with me to my classroom.
The website team worked with the concept of creating the project with a focus to concentrate on context rather than content, as we felt this was the primary mission of the assignment. Utilizing the CRAP principles on our individual pages as well as consistency throughout the website was an important spotlight of our total endeavor. Although I feel that we were successful both individually and as a group in creating the final task, it was for me not nearly as important to be accomplished as an entity as it was as a unit. Pulling together all of the concepts and ideas was a feat, especially as we tried to find time in our busy schedules to meet in Google documents and by email. However, we were all committed to be an integral part of the group. Our final website project is proof that our collaboration was meaningful and successful.
In terms of lifelong learning skills, as I stated above, I have a heightened sense of the CRAP principles and how they affect what I read, view and see every day. As I view documents, advertisements, and even school assignments, I will be aware of the principles and how they are displayed. As in previous classes, I learn through every class that collaboration is available and possible regardless of where you are – you just have to commit to it. The challenges I face ahead and using the ideas, concepts and principles that I have learned in not only this class, but in my other classes, is being able to develop meaningful, challenging and relevant assignments for my students that engage and include them in their own learning process. I will continue to research and learn whatever I can to help my students achieve to their highest potential.
Websites in the classroom are a way in which students can engage in obtaining important information, class discussion, and creative projects. Currently I am using a classroom blog, Collaborize Classroom, in my Career Preparation and Business Law classes to connect further with my students and engage them in forming opinions and reflecting on various current events and topics. “A reflection is mostly for helping the learner become aware of his or her own learning experience and communicate that to the teacher.” (Aguilar, 2009) These are students who are primarily 11th and 12th graders, and they are discovering and researching how these events affect their daily lives. I post a question weekly that they must respond to, not just with “agree or disagree”, but they must expand on their thoughts and opinions. I was pleased that one of the readings this week parallels what I have been doing, as it states, “Teachers monitor these discussions and push them to become more substantive.” (Yoshida, 1997) I don’t encourage my students to give only yes or not answers – they are urged to continue their thoughts through substantive discussion of the topic. In another one of our readings this week, “The most powerful learning often happens when students self-monitor, or reflect.” (Gerstein, 2011) It has been a fun and enlightening experience for all of us, and I intend on expanding the use of this blog in my other classes. In addition, I would like to create a class website to post projects and discussion for my 9th grade Principles of Business, Marketing and Finance and Principles of Information Technology classes, as well as the classes listed above. I am still trying to work through the technical issues involved in making this happen, but I feel certain I can work through these concerns with our IT Department. I am fortunate that I have a computer lab as my classroom, and the uses of the graphic design and website principles I have learned will only benefit their learning environment as I increase the application of these concepts in the future.
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