Blog #8

     In creating my website in the Web Design assignment, I learned many new technical skills that I had not previously mastered. I learned design principles such as CRAP where I had to make a visually appealing yet affective content. I also learned methods of proximity and how that can increase the effectiveness of my information. I was also able to master alignment which was something I considered heavily in previous creative projects. https://waddingtonenglishclass.weebly.com/

    QR codes can be very valuable in the classroom. One way I would use is them is by giving them out at open house, where students and parents can scan it and automatically have a list of all the supplies and the syllabus for the year. I could also have lessons plans that are unfinished go home with students by giving them a QR code for parents to scan and look at the rest of the content. QR codes could also be used as form to pay for Field trips and other dues that the students may have.

    

Case Study: AI Grading Systems for Teachers’ Productivity

Background:

Teachers spend a significant portion of their time grading assignments, providing feedback, and assessing student progress. While grading is necessary, it can be extremely time-consuming, especially with large class sizes and diverse student work. To address this challenge, many educational institutions have started implementing AI-driven grading systems, which can automatically grade assignments, essays, and even provide feedback.

One such system is Gradescope, an AI-based grading platform used by various universities, including the University of California. This system allows teachers to upload assignments and tests, and the AI provides initial grades and feedback based on predefined rubrics.

Ethical Issues and Concerns:

1. Bias in AI Algorithms:

   • One of the primary ethical concerns surrounding the use of AI for grading is the potential for bias. AI systems are trained on historical data, which might carry implicit biases related to race, gender, socioeconomic background, or even writing style.

   • For instance, an AI algorithm trained predominantly on essays from a certain demographic group may not accurately grade essays written by students from different backgrounds or writing styles.

   • Ethical concern: Could AI unintentionally perpetuate bias and unfairly impact students from marginalized groups?

2. Transparency in Grading:

   • Another concern is the lack of transparency in how AI makes grading decisions. If a student receives a low grade, they may not fully understand why, particularly if the AI's reasoning behind its evaluation isn't made clear.

   • Ethical concern: Teachers and students may feel alienated from the grading process. It raises questions about accountability—who is responsible for a grade given by an AI system?

3. Data Privacy and Security:

• AI grading systems require large amounts of student data to function effectively. This data may include personal information, assignments, and assessments.

• Ethical concern: How is student data being protected? Are the platforms being used fully compliant with data privacy laws like FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) in the U.S.? Mismanagement or misuse of this data can lead to breaches of privacy and trust.

    In going about this case, I would eliminate any AI grading from the classroom. Part of being an elementary schoolteacher is to give proper feedback, and teach valuable skills that students will need going forward in the real world. By using AI and not giving them proper feedback, Yoh are teaching kids to use technology to solve their issues rather than building up their own foundational problem-solving skills first. Using AI to grade is hypocritical when asking the student not to use AI for an assignment.