EDLD+5365+Reflections


 * EDLD 5365 Reflections **

Many new skills and concepts were learned while completing the course assignment involving the creation of a Web policy that addresses security, legal, and ethical issues. A school district’s current web policy should address the legal requirements pertaining to web sites, security, and provide clear guidance to protect copyright and intellectual property.

One of the most pressing legal issues for Web sites in K-12 schools today is compliance. According to Solomon and Schrum (2007), districts that receive E-Rate funds, Title II, Part D funds, and/or Title II money used for certain Internet connectivity purchases must comply with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA). Installation of filters and blocking technology on all computers with Internet connectivity ensures CIPA compliance. Additionally, districts must implement an Internet safety policy, conduct public meetings to discuss the policy and protection measures as well as obtain parental consent to offer Web site services to children ages 12 and younger.

One of the most pressing ethical issues for Web sites in K-12 schools today is adhering to intellectual property and copyright laws for written material as well as music and video downloading (Solomon, 2007). Educators must teach by example and provide guidance regarding identification of sources, copyright, and intellectual property.

One of the most important practices for usability in Web design is first impressions. Kaiser (2006) wrote, “First impressions last—a maxim that certainly holds true for visitors to a web site” (p. 62). The home page of the website should clearly identify the site, purpose and overview of the site, fresh content, shortcuts to frequently visited pages and a direct link to the sitemap. The Web design should focus on the user, provide fast-loading web pages, accommodate user abilities, disabilities, browsers, and alternative devices, ensure predictability, utilize conventional practices, and provide user-friendly corrections for user errors (Kaiser, 2006).

Web design should give the user a sense of security to ensure usability (Kaiser, 2006). According to Solomon & Schrum (2007), “Technology makes many tasks easier but it also adds complexities peculiar to this digital age” (p. 117). Best practices for usability in Web design include user-friendly options.

Q&A, G-Link, Pentamation, FinancePlus, and Microsoft Office Access are all database programs that I have used. Exposure to PHP and MySQL was beneficial in the process of creating a web policy. In addition to enabling a dynamic, data-base driven Web Site PHP and MySQL can be utilized in several ways. For example, WebCalendar ([|www.k5n.us/webcalendar.php]) based on PHP can be configured for use by individuals and groups (Solomon and Schrum, 2007). In reference to PHP and SQL, Kevin Yank (2010) of SitePoint.com states “…PHP (a server-side scripting language that allows you to do a lot more than access a database easily) and Structured Query Language (SQL -- the standard language for interacting with relational databases)…” (para. 7).

Since mastering PHP and MySQL would require learning script language, installing script, codes, functions, interface for managing databases, and writing your own program, it would probably take me several weeks to master PHP and MySQL and enable a dynamic, data-base driven Web site. Using PHP and MySQL ensures creation of accessible web page structures such as forms and tables. According to Kaiser (2006), “…accessibility is crucial” (p. 174).

Solomon and Schrum (2007) recommend using surveys and polls, “If you want to make a decision and need the input of others or if you want students to learn how to use surveys in class...” (p. 68). Surveys can produce both qualitative and quantitative data. Open-ended questions produce qualitative data because the participant’s replies are not limited by a set of choices while quantitative data is typically obtained from close-ended questions in which participant’s responses are limited to a set of possible answers (Kaiser, 2006).

Survey Monkey can be a good tool for assessing customer satisfaction with a school Web site if a link to the survey is placed in an appropriate and visible location and if the questions on the survey are designed to collect accurate qualitative and quantitative data that can be collected, analyzed, and utilized effectively. For example, if the link to a survey is placed on a low-traffic page or location such as at the end of the site index, not many people will respond to the survey because they may not be aware that it is available. A survey link should be placed on the Home Page, in multiple locations, as an option in the log-in or log-out process, and as an option when posting comments to the web site.

References

Kaiser, S., (2006). //Deliver first class websites: 101 essential checklists//. Collingwood, VIC, Australia: Sitepoint.

Solomon, G., & Schrum, L. (2007). //Web 2.0: New tools, new schools.// Eugene, OR: International Society for Technology in Education.

Yank, K. //Building a Database-Driven Web Site Using PHP and MySQL. //Retrieved from []