EDLD 5366 Digital Graphics and Web Design
Course Reflection
I thoroughly enjoyed this
opportunity to gain some experience with some new tools that can be
incorporated into my classroom. I often hear about amazing new tools and
technology, but don’t always have time to explore them. I enjoyed the
opportunity to choose an application, reflect on how it might be used in a
classroom, and actually take time to learn it well enough to develop a sample
of something that could be useful. The lessons in this course had relevance on
many levels, corresponding to the learning hierarchy described by theories such
as Bloom’s Taxonomy.1
Initially, we were required
to learn some new tools such as Scratch and Google Sites, and some principles
such as C.R.A.P.2 on a literal level. Next we applied our knowledge
and understanding to develop educational material. Then we divided into groups to
analyze and evaluate, resulting in creation of a web site that stretched and
cemented our knowledge so that we will be able apply it in new situations.
Finally we were encouraged to reflect on what we have learned, providing
another opportunity to take our learning to the highest level.3
Personally, I have previously
had some experience with Scratch, using it as a tool to generate interest and
introduce programming concepts in my Computer Science classes. It was fun and
interesting for me to see the same tool used in a different learning context. I
also enjoyed the collaborative website project. I have often seen websites as a
tool for collecting and publishing information from teacher to student, but
have not thought to use creation of a website as a creative learning experience
for something other than creating websites!
As much as I enjoyed being
brought through the levels of learning as a student, as I also really
appreciated, as a teacher, the demonstration of how to use technology to
transform learning and apply sound educational principles in the classroom. I’m
excited about the possibility of using this course as a model for application
of technology to enhance learning in courses I am currently teaching.
1 Forehand, M. (2005).
Bloom's taxonomy: Original and revised. In M. Orey (Ed.), Emerging perspectives
on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved 1/19/2012 from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/.
2Williams, R. (2008), The non-designer’s design book: design and typographic principles for
the visual novice. Berkeley, California: Peachpit Press.
No comments:
Post a Comment