EDLD 5366 Course Reflection (Week 5)

1.1: Reflections for Course-Embedded Assignment-Web Site

Week 5 1.1: Reflections for Course-Embedded Assignment-Web Site

             When I learned that EDLD 5366, Digital Graphics was to be my replacement course this semester, I immediately started to wonder about how the content learned in this class would directly impact my effectiveness as an administrator.  To be quite honest, I couldn’t see the connection between the two at first, but as the course started to develop, I started to see that this course offered great insight into web design, use of technology tools, and important design principles.  With technology becoming one of the central components in education today, I realized that this class would provide me with great information and tools to utilize and implement both as a teacher and a future administrator.

            In this course I was first introduced to the C.R.A.P. design principles and how to create a brand.  I already had some knowledge of what branding meant, but I didn’t know that design principles such as contrast, repetition, alignment, and proximity were essential components in order to create successful and appealing logo.  My initial thoughts of branding were that you chose something that you liked, or that represented you and include your favorite colors for contrast.  It wasn’t until I learned about C.R.A.P. that I really started to reflect and look closely at how my choices of colors, images, font, and alignment would make my logo and brand a true representation of my identity and beliefs.  I was also surprised by how intensively one has to reflect on values, beliefs, and even philosophies in order for it to effectively reflect on your brand.  As administrators, we will be defined by our values, beliefs, and actions.  That in itself becomes our brand, therefore it is important for us to engage in self-reflection constantly and make sure that anything that we put out there, whether it’s a personal logo, mission statement, or vision, that it is a direct reflection of our self-brand.   Lea Alcantara (2009) said it best in her blog post The Art of Self-Branding, when she stated:  “If you can’t justify a type choice or even a sentence of body copy, then you don’t have a brand.  Always have a reason”.   

            The web tools and the creation of a webpage also provided me with great learning experiences.  At first I was a bit skeptical about working on a group project, mainly because I thought we would not have many opportunities to communicate back and forth because of our busy schedules.  This was not the case at all.  Through the group webpage project, I learned how to work with Google Docs, and it has been one of the greatest discoveries for me.  Technology has never been one of my strengths, so when I discovered the use of Google Docs, I was hooked.  My colleagues and I were in constant communication, and we were able to have full conversations and share ideas on our project like we were face to face.  This is one tool that I can definitely see myself utilizing as an administrator.  I can see so many uses for it, such as sharing and discussing new initiatives with colleagues around my districts, hosting learning discussions with my staff, etc.  Also, if every student had internet access at home, this would be an excellent tool to use for homework assignments, class discussions, projects, etc.  These technology tools are a great way to not only help students become interactive and successful learners, but it’s also a great way to provide them with differentiated instruction.  Perhaps this is one of the reasons why multimedia learning is becoming more popular in classrooms across the world.  Multimedia learning allows students to interact with their own learning in a way that traditional teaching methods don’t.   Our generation of students are constantly accessing and interacting with some sort of technology outside of school, and at times there seems to be a disconnect between technology use outside school and within the school.  An article written by the Center for Implementing Technology in Education (n.d) stated that “integration of multimedia into instruction can help to reduce curriculum barriers and improve learning for all students”.    Furthermore, an online article on integrating multimedia in the K-12 classroom retrieved from Brainpop states that “when students are able to control the pace of the presentation, they learn more” (2008, September).   Technology is increasing in demand in schools and I’m glad that through this class I was able to gain some great insight as to how utilize technology not only as a teaching tool, but also as a reflective tool.

            Another thing that I’ve discovered during the course of this class is the effective use of social media for learning, sharing ideas, and collaborating on group projects.  Our discussion board is a really great tool to share with colleagues any of our ideas and our Facebook group has been phenomenal.  These discussion groups have really given me the opportunity to become part of an online learning group and they really played a big part in the completion and success of my class assignments.  Every time I had a question or concern regarding the content of the assignment I know I could just post a question on our discussion board or Facebook group page, and anybody would come to my aid within minutes.  I am very interested in doing further research on the use of social media for education purposes, and see if this is something that my students can benefit from.  I know it’s been really beneficial for me, and I’m wondering if it could bring the same benefits to my students.

            All in all, this course has not only taught me how to utilize technology tools for teaching and learning, but it’s also helped me to get rid of some of my fears in regards to technology.   I’ve always tread with care when it comes to technology since I don’t consider myself very savvy in that department, but after this course, I can honestly say that I feel more confident in my use of it, and I can’t wait to implement many of the things I learned as a future administrator.

Citation:

Alcantara, L. (2009). The art of self-branding. Retrieved from   http://www.lealea.net/blog/comments/the-art-of-self-branding-part-two/

Multimedia Applications for the Classroom. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.cited.org/output_pages/printDefault.aspx?page_id=106

Understanding Multimedia Learning: Integrating Multimedia in the K-12 Classroom. (2008, September). Retrieved from http://www.brainpop.com/new_common_images/files/76/76426_BrainPOP_White_Paper-20090426.pdf

 

           

 

Week 5--1.2 Implementation in the classroom

            After creating a website in EDLD 5366, I can honestly say that the sky is the limit when it comes to implementing websites in the classroom.  This generation of students thrives on the use of technology and I think that websites are a great way for students and parents to stay informed, engaged and interact with their learning on a day to day basis.

            When implementing websites in the classroom I would make sure to make it as user friendly as possible.  I would want to make sure that this is a website that both student and parent can benefit from.  Some of the pages that I would include in my website would be the following:

·         Teacher page

·         Class Schedule

·         Class Rules/Expectations

·         Grading Policy

·         School Events

·         Homework

·         Educational Games

·         Parent Informational Page

By including these pages in my website I feel I will provide both students and parents with the necessary tools to have a successful school year.  Students would be able to access their homework assignments from home, and even enjoy some educational games to enhance their learning.  Parents would also be able to monitor their child’s learning on a day to day basis and be informed of any major events happening at school or in class.