Post #3 or Minimalist teaching with a pinch of salt...

A paragraph describing a lesson plan you might create that uses technology in some way. Be sure to mention how you will use technology, what technology you would use, and what subject matter and grade level the lesson is for. (See Chapter 2 for ideas)

A paragraph in which you provide a visual critique of a web site using the rules presented in Chapter 6. Be sure to link to the site. If you’re up to an extra challenge, include images (screen shots or other sources) in your blog post.

A paragraph about your experience with copyright and fair use of materials in an educational environment. How would you deal with these concepts as a teacher, developing your own instructional materials and having students who may use other sources to create their own works?
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I may have said this before in an earlier post, but, if not I'll say it again. I think technology is a great tool for assisting in the education process. But, time and time again I have seen instructors rely too heavily on technology, depending on it to teach the class for them. Maybe in the future this will be possible, but for now, there is no substitute for an instructor who knows the material. If they can use the technology to better teach the material, then kudos. But, technology should not be a crutch. As of right now, I do not have any plans to use technology extensively in my instruction. Maybe over the course of this course (pun definitely intended) I will change my tune, but as it stands I only plan to use Microsoft Word to create syllabi and worksheets. I believe in the power of the human voice and its ability to convey -anything.-

As for pre-existing websites, there are some that prove useful. Let's break down one of my favorites, Sparknotes!
The site is easy to browse for visitors that are new to the site, with links to every section of the site located across the top of the screen. For those who are at the site for more than browsing and want to go to a more focused subject, there is a box with subject links located on the left of the page. And even still, for those that know exactly what they are looking for there is a search bar at the top of the screen.
The most impressive thing about this websiteis the way the many contrasting colors are used to keep everything on the site from blending together. Every individual link and subject and feature is in it's own creatively designed window.
And with text that distinctly contrasts with each individual background, I have no complaints about the site layout.
Content-wise, some students might take advantage of all that is available and not read the material for themselves from the actual books, but that's another post.

I plan on creating my own instructional materials, aside from perhaps novels and literature written by other authors. Students will not be able to infringe on any copyrights, thanks to a wonderful, little creation known as Turnitin.com!