Kierra M Keegan

 Working on Assignment #5: PowerPoint Interaction helped me develop several new technical and instructional skills. I learned how to create nonlinear navigation using hyperlinks and kiosk mode, which completely changes how a presentation functions compared to a traditional slideshow. I also improved my ability to design interactive content, especially by turning literary analysis into a Jeopardy-style game that encourages discussion and critical thinking. One thing I liked about the assignment was how creative and flexible it was, since I could tailor it to my interest in literature and teaching while also using digital media to design how I like. However, I didn't enjoy the technical troubleshooting, especially with navigation buttons and audio, which was frustrating. I kept trying to add a hyperlink to a photo which I realized was not possible. If I were to improve this project next time, I would spend more time testing the links earlier / watching a tutorial earlier than I did. ...

 During my K-12 education, I had a mix of in-person and distance learning experiences, especially in the 7th and 8th grade because of Covid and during high school for Florida Virtual School (FLVS). I primarily used platforms like Google Classroom for assignments and submissions, Zoom for live lectures, and occasionally Kahoot or Quizlet for interactive reviews. I found Google Classroom very effective for organizing assignments and keeping track of deadlines, while Zoom was helpful for live discussions but sometimes felt much less engaging for group collaboration. One technology I haven't experienced yet but would like to try is a virtual reality (VR) classroom platform. I think VR could make online learning more immersive and interactive, allowing students to engage with content in a way that feels more hands-on than traditional video calls.  Working on Assignment 4: the Powerpoint for Information Dissemination, helped me improve my skills in slide design, voice narration, and...

Working on the Web Design assignment helped me learn several new skills related to building and designing a website. I practiced organizing content and creating working links between different pages. One design principle I focused on was visual consistency, because I wanted the entire site to feel cohesive and aesthetic. My website had a fig theme inspired by Sylvia Plath’s prose, so I used similar fig-colored tones, imagery, and fonts across the pages to create a unified look. I also used the design principle of contrast so the text would stand out clearly against the background and be easy to read. One thing I didn’t love about the assignment was getting all of the links to work correctly between the pages, because that part was a little frustrating and took some trial and error. However, I really enjoyed the creative side of the project and making something that looks beautiful and meaningful. Website design skills could be useful in my future career as a professor because educators...

 Many schools require teachers to maintain public class pages so that families can stay informed. I visited the Leon County Schools website (https://www.leonschools.net) and explored several teacher pages. Publically accessible information typically included the teacher’s contact information, course syllabus, grading policies, classroom expectations and weekly agendas. Some pages also featured downloadable assignments and resource links. However, anything involving student grades or private feedback required login access. Overall, the teacher pages functioned as communication tools that promote transparency and organization, while still protecting student privacy.  As a future creative writing professor, I envision using technology strategically rather than dependently. I would use Canvas to centralize readings, workshop schedules, and assignment submissions, but I would be cautious about over-automating creative work. Google Docs would be especially useful for workshop commen...

 The Florida standard SS.912.HC.9.7 asks students to examine how modern technology has influenced communist ideology and methodology in the 21st century. This means students are not just learning about historical communism. They are moving beyond Cold War examples and focusing on how present-day communist governments use digital tools to promote ideology and maintain control. Countries like China, Vietnam, North Korea, and Cuba, utilize technology such as state-controlled social media, online censorship systems, digital surveillance, and in some cases, coordinated misinformation campaign’s. The standard’s clarification also highlights tactics such as bot networks, fake social media accounts, and spyware embedded in products. While Russia is not officially communist by name, its use of digital propaganda and online influence operations provide an important comparison point when analyzing how authoritarian governments leverage modern technology. Distinguishing between formally commun...

 So far, my experience with blogging has been more reflective than I expected. I like that blogging allows for a conversational tone while still requiring clarity and structure, and I’ve learned that writing for an ‘online audience’ forces me to be a bit more intentional about organization. At the same time, I don’t like how easy it is for blog writing to become surface-level without Professor Idam’s strict instructions. Through this process, I have learned that blogging still demands critical thinking and revision, even if it feels less formal than traditional academic writing. It has shown me that digital spaces still require depth and responsibility.  As I first explored the topic of AI in education, especially in a K-12 setting, my initial reaction was deep concern. While AI is often framed as a tool for innovation and efficiency, I worry that it may gradually weaken students’ ability to think independently. If young learners rely on AI to generate answers or structure ess...