Assignment+Reflections+Week+3

=**Week 3** =

 EDLD 5368 Instructional Design provided the opportunity to create an online course using Schoology. The assignment in EDLD 5368, Instructional Design,also included the creation of an online course using the "backward design" model of Wiggins and McTighe (Wiggins, G, & McTighe, J., 2005). Using interactive Web 2.0 technologies allows for easier access for students who need various learning opportunities, via visual as in video form, or audio, or both. These technologies not only enhance learning, but can be critical when assistive technologies are necessary for all students to have access to technology and learning. The challenges in using online learning platforms depends on the age of the students being taught, although I can envision application to some extent at every level. I teach first grade, so the course I posted was simplistic, but Technology TEKS and NETS-students were considered when creating an online activity. Having students start young, recognizing the power of online learning tools will help better prepare them to be users of technology for learning purposes later. Our students are certainly digital natives, but not quite as adept at using technology to enhance their learning. It this work that educators do in designing online learning opportunities through backwards design that will ensure that learning goals are met.
 * **Reflection on EDLD 5368 Assignment: Web 2.0 Tools for Online Learning **

In this assignment I also learned that the use of learning management systems such as Moodle and Schoology will also shape the future of assessment, which drives our instructional strategies. Much of these learning management systems still puzzle me. I plan on pursuing additional training in the use of learning management systems such as these. I'm interested in conquering the challenge of making the user interface manageable for even primary students. By providing opportunities for "just in time" instruction and immediate feedback, educators will have an edge in creating differentiated learning for all students in their charge. Administratively, using learning management systems can streamline "old style" lesson planning and grading and free teacher's time for more teaching.

In using Schoology, some group dynamic difficulties were encountered. Because this was a new experience and one that was done outside of our "real" classroom experience, some technical difficulties in adding students and teachers were encountered. Most issues were resolved quickly via the help desk and conversations with colleagues about how to clear these hurdles. Once these issues were resolved, I felt more successful and more ease in attempting this system in my own classroom.

 EDLD 5366: Digital Graphics provided an overview of design principles. The newsletter assignment required an understanding of many elements and how those elements interact and come together to create a quality, well-balanced newsletter project. The project began with the development of a self-created rubric by which the assignment was evaluated. Basic elements such as length, logo design, contact information and appropriate credits and bylines were outlined. The design principles of CRAP (contrast, repetition, alignment, and proximity) were weighted and required in the newsletter's overall design. The content of the newsletter was weighted less heavily than the design principles, specifically for this class only. Ideally, the element of content will weight equally with the design principles to provide a newsletter that is both visually appealing and intellectually satisfying. Graphics for the newsletter project were an assortment of graphics, from legally obtained clip art, photographs, charts and graphs. Appropriate cutlines were required to adequately support the content of the newsletter and the chosen graphic elements. I chose to create a class newsletter and use real situation and real photos obtained at various events. All necessary parental permissions were obtained prior to publishing the newsletter.
 * **Reflection on EDLD 5366 Assignment: Newsletter **

This assignment was very relevant to my classroom experience. I was able to create a real newsletter that I sent out to parents to communicate activities we were doing in the classroom. All the feedback from parents was positive, to the extent that the professional nature of the newsletter set the bar very high for the next communication piece I sent out. In the future, I will adapt this learning to using appropriate avenues such as my email or my website newsletter, given the confines of the systems that we are required to use such as First Class. I encountered no group dynamics with this project, as it was an independent endeavor. I was proud of the outcome and included it as a sample on the wiki page. See below.

Lisa_newsletter.pdf