Task: Conduct a comparison of the features between two learning management systems (Google Classroom, Classcraft, Edmodo, Schoology, IO Classroom, etc.). If you have used any of them before, discuss your experience from your worst or favorite platform. Justify the option you would choose for the future.

My Response: Google Classroom and Jupiter Ed are both solid learning management systems, but they serve different purposes. Google Classroom is super simple and easy to use, especially if you’re already working with Google tools like Docs, Drive, and Calendar. It’s great for posting assignments, collecting work, and giving basic feedback. The class stream lets teachers and students communicate easily, and parents can get email summaries of their kid’s progress. But when it comes to grading, it’s pretty basic—there’s not a lot of room for customization or in-depth tracking. If you just need a straightforward way to manage assignments and class discussions, it does the job well.

Jupiter Ed, on the other hand, is a lot more advanced. It has a powerful gradebook with multiple grading scales, auto-scoring, and customizable rubrics, which makes tracking student progress way easier. It also has real-time updates for parents, which is a big plus if you want them to stay involved. Communication is also better since teachers, students, and parents can message each other directly through the platform. It still works with Google tools, but it also connects to student information systems (SIS) for a more complete academic picture. The downside is that it’s a paid platform, so schools have to invest in it, unlike Google Classroom, which is totally free.

Personally, I’d go with Jupiter Ed because of how much more it offers in terms of grading and tracking progress. Google Classroom is great for basic classroom organization, but if you want detailed reports, better communication with parents, and more control over grading, Jupiter Ed is the way to go. It’s just a more complete system for teachers who need a better way to manage student data and keep track of progress over time. That said, if all you need is an easy way to share assignments and announcements, Google Classroom is still a solid choice.

Task: Break down the Creative Commons Licenses using an example to explain the different types of copyright access.  Justify your thoughts on where Artificial Intelligence produced work may exist in this framework

My Response: Creative Commons (CC) licenses are types of copyrights that allow creators to set legal boundaries & specify how others can use their work. These licenses balance copyright protection with accessibility.For example, imagine there’s a photographer named Alex who takes a picture of a city skyline. Alex can license the image under six main types of CC licenses:

1. CC BY (Attribution) – Allows anyone to use, modify, and distribute the image, even commercially, as long as Alex is credited. For example a blogger uses Alex’s photo in an article and credits them.

2. CC BY-SA (Attribution-ShareAlike) – Allows use and modifications, but derivative works must be shared under the same license. For example, a designer decides to edit Alex’s skyline image and shares the modified version under CC BY-SA.

3. CC BY-NC (Attribution-NonCommercial) – Allows use and modifications but not for commercial purposes. For example, a student chooses to use Alex’s photo in a school project, but a company cannot use it for advertising.

4. CC BY-NC-SA (Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike) – Non-commercial use is allowed, and derivatives must carry the same license. For example, an artist modifies the image for a nonprofit campaign, and the new artwork must also be CC BY-NC-SA.

5. CC BY-ND (Attribution-NoDerivatives) – Allows sharing the image as-is with credit, but no modifications. An example for this license could be a travel website that posts  Alex’s photo with credit but cannot edit or add filters.

6. CC BY-NC-ND (Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives) – This is the most restrictive license because it allows only sharing with credit but no modifications or commercial use. An example for this could be that a journalist includes Alex’s image in an article but cannot alter or profit from it.

At the moment AI-produced work is currently a gray area in copyright law, but it may align with public domain or Creative Commons depending on how it’s created.

1. If AI Work is Completely Autonomous, the AI-generated content may not be copyrightable because copyright laws typically require human authorship. This means that AI-generated work could automatically default to the public domain, and anyone can use it without restriction.

2. If a Human Significantly Edits AI Work:, person with their own creative input, they may be able to license it under Creative Commons. For example, a designer uses AI to generate artwork but edits it to add personal style. They could apply a CC BY license to share it.

3. When AI is in a Creative Commons Framework AI-generated content could be shared under CC0 (public domain dedication), meaning anyone can use it without restrictions. Some AI creators might use a CC BY-SA license if they want AI-generated work to remain freely available under the same conditions.

I personally believe AI-generated work should generally fall under public domain or Creative Commons because AI itself does not have intent or originality. It generates based on existing data. Open sharing of AI-generated content encourages innovation and prevents monopolization of AI-created works by large corporations. 

As a graphic designer who would need to pay copious amounts of money to access generic stock photos for my work, being able to generate the exact photos I need saves me a lot of time, money, and makes my workflow immensely easier. Human intervention & contribution in AI-generated work should be acknowledged, whether their work that influenced AI's generations or they altered AI generated work to create something entirely new. CC licenses allow flexibility in how that content is shared and made available to others.

Task: Select one of the provided cases and describe the type of assistive technology you would introduce to the student to ensure they can participate in class. Justify your response.

Selected Case: Morgan Smith (Autism and Speech-Language Impairment)

Assistive Technology Recommendation:
I would introduce Speech-to-Text Software paired with a Visual Schedule App on a tablet or Chromebook for Morgan.

Justification:

• Speech-to-Text Software (like Dragon NaturallySpeaking or built-in dictation tools) will allow Morgan to express her thoughts more freely without getting stuck in echolalia patterns. Instead of struggling to form perfect verbal responses under pressure, she can speak naturally, and the software will transcribe her words for writing assignments, project descriptions, or even peer feedback activities.

• Visual Schedule Apps like Choiceworks, Time Timer, or a customized Google Slides checklist, etc. would provide Morgan with step-by-step task guidance throughout the class period.

  • These visual tools would structure her day clearly: "1. Sketch, 2. Design, 3. Save, 4. Upload," helping her transition between tasks without confusion or anxiety.

  • Having visual, predictable routines directly addresses her need for reduced anxiety, increased task focus, and greater independence.

• Both tools promote language development, executive functioning, and self-regulation—three major skill areas mentioned in her IEP.

Bonus Connection to Her Interests:

Since Morgan loves computers and drawing, working with technology will feel natural and motivating for her. This also helps set her up for success in the real-world graphic design field, where digital tools are essential.

Option 1: List five (5) types of software that you would like to use in your classroom. Create a chart to determine if that software is available on Windows, MacOS, iPadOS, and/or Android.

Option 2: Imagine that your classroom technology gets thrown out and your administration asks your opinion for replacement devices. Identify and justify the devices you request for your classroom.

My Response

Option 2: If I was starting fresh due to my classroom tech being thrown out, Mac Studio computers, wacom drawing tablets, and dual Smartboards would be three of my first picks for new devices because they are powerhouses for any graphic design classroom in 2025. 

1. Apple Mac Studio 

   • Justification: Optimized for high-performance applications like Adobe Creative Cloud, 3D rendering, and video editing. The M2 Ultra chips future-proof your classroom for years. Fast processing = less lag = more student focus on design, not tech issues.

2. Studio Display or 5K Monitors (paired with each Mac Studio)

   • Justification: High-resolution screens show color and detail with accuracy—critical for print and web design.

3. Drawing Tablets (Wacom Cintiq or XP-Pen Artist Pro)

   • Justification: Direct-to-screen drawing offers intuitive digital sketching and precise pen control. These are industry standard in professional design workflows. They help students bridge traditional drawing and digital design skills.

Along with those three, I have some top picks for supplemental devices and tech for my classroom including: 

Apple TV or AirPlay-enabled Casting Hub

• Justification: Lets students and teacher wirelessly mirror screens to Smartboards for group critiques or presentations.

• Flatbed Scanner (Epson Perfection V600 or better)

  • Justification: Allows students to digitize sketches, collages, or physical textures to incorporate into digital work.

• External SSD Drives (1–2TB per student pod)

  • Justification: Portable drives enable students to store large Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop files and transport work between home and school. This keeps files off of the school's main computers and with students, which preserves the tech significantly longer.