Appendix H: Reflections of Course-based Embedded Assignments

Lamar University – M.Ed. in Educational Technology Leadership Reflections of Course-based Embedded Assignments

Directions: In submitting your Course-based Embedded Assignment located in Appendix I of the Internship Handbook, you are required to complete a reflection of the identified assignments in your course wiki/e-portfolio. These reflections will be used to assist you in completing your EDLD 5388/5370 (*Please note that course number changes in Fall 2010*) Internship comprehensive exam final report. Students should use and cite their textbook references as well as two additional references when writing each reflection. The reflection must consist of statements regarding the knowledge you gained from the assignment and how the assignment helped you master the Technology Facilitator Standard(s) /Indicator(s).

Course Number: Course Name: Course-based Embedded Hours (see Appendix I) 5366 Digital Graphics 12

Description of A. Design and produce a four-page newsletter providing educational technology the resources for teachers. Each page should be standard 8.5”x11”. The pages must be numbered and show a consistent design theme throughout. Must have Assignment/Perf columns, but the shape and size of these columns is up to the student. The ormance Tasks essential design problem is to create a layout that provokes an appropriate (see Appendix I) response. Basic design principles should be followed – contrast, repetition, alignment, and proximity – and each page should present a graphically pleasing layout. The newspaper should contain contact information. Note: Self-Assessment Reflecti on at a In our Digital Graphics course, the instructor utilized a project- critical level based learning approach. At the conclusion of week five, we means writing text that ended up with a four-page newsletter utilizing all of the skills we reveals your had learned throughout the first four weeks of the program. I opinion of the learned many things about design principles, typography, and reading or using publishing software. I also was able to meet several ISTE’s experien ce, why Technology and Leadership Standards from area’s I, II, III and V. you hold One of the most valuable pieces of knowledge I gained and that that opinion, how the I now use on a fairly consistent basis is the “CRAP” principal, experien which stands for Contrast, Repetition, Alignment, and Proximity. ce/assig nment/r The CRAP principal allows for a more scientific approach to eading could be design. I always felt that I had an inherent eye for a good line-up improve d, how you see of items when I designed flyers and such for my swim team. the reading However, now I combine my intuitive “eye” with a structured and or experien logical approach to my design principals and have created some ce as consiste “eye-popping” designs. I am always pleased to hear when my nt or inconsis students or booster parents comment on the clean design of my tent with newsletter. I also enjoyed looking at other classmates work and what you have making comments on what they were designing. Seeing other’s learned so far, ideas always sparks some of my own. implicat ions for Learn as a Leaner the future, As I worked on my Digital Graphics class newsletter, I felt I etc. Reflecti really had an opportunity to accomplish ISTE’s Standard II, which on should include focus’ on planning, designing and modeling effective learning more content experiences infused with technology (ISTE, 2001). When than just a designing the newsletter, I really had to take some time to make recitatio n of effective decisions about where and how I was going to place facts and you articles, pictures, and such into the space. I really wanted to show should docume myself and others that I had mastered the skills of design. Upon nt your writing with a completion of the project, I felt confident in my abilities and that I minimu m of 3 had accomplished my goal. Another skill I acquired was learning referenc es. to select the right software for the task at hand. ISTE’s standard V Self – Assessm ent addresses using technology to increase productivity. While I 1. Criticall always knew the right technology could make the job easier, I felt y reflect (see note I had a better understanding of how critical that technology was to above; not just recitatio creating a final project and the importance of taking your time to n of facts) determine which technology software or program was the best fit upon the for each individual task. knowled ge you I personally enjoy learning kinesthetically, and this course was gained from the one of the best. “Project-based learning allows for alternative assignm ent. approaches that address students’ individual differences and (3 Points) 2. variations in learning styles” (Solomon and Schrum, 2007, p. 39). Criticall y reflect I tend to be more project-based in my learning style, so being able upon the to manipulate software to change designs on the screen really relation ship helped me to understand the design principals. I’ve always between any new enjoyed working with software that provides immediate feedback informa tion you gained to the task at hand and the project in the Digital Graphics course from the assignm did just that. This course really reminded me why I wanted to get a ent with old master’s in this field. informa tion you Lifelong Learning Skills previous ly held EDLD 5366 was so much fun to take that it really has spurred to be true. me to work on more graphic projects for home and work. I am (2 Points) 3. How constantly using programs like Picasso and Publisher to create fun did the relation menus, invitations, and cards for family events. Professionally, I ship between have used the design principals when I assign projects that have the old and new informa visual elements in my Health classes. I want to investigate more tion you learned ways to incorporate class newsletters using technology tools in the affect your classroom as well. Currently, I am exploring a new classroom personal experien ce with project using the Web 2.0 tool Gogster, which allows the users to the assignm design interactive online posters. The current trend is the use of ent? (2 interactive sites; I can see utilizing digital multimedia based Points) newsletters in which much of these same design concepts could be Learn as a incorporated. The iPad and other tablet devices have shown us that Learner 1. traditional methods of design have a place in modern technology. Criticall y reflect (see note “The elements and principal of design are the building blocks used above; not just to create a work of art” (Lovett, 2002 p.15). I am now on my own recitatio n of journey to create my own art. facts) upon References your approac International Society for Education. (2001). NETS for Technology h and strategie s used in Facilitators and Leaders. Available from completi ng the www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/NETS/ForTechnol assignm ent. ogyFacilitatorsandLeaders/Technology_Facilitation_Stand (3 Points) ards.htm 2. Criticall Lovett, J (2002) splashingPAINT Canton, OH: North Light y reflect upon Books. how you learn as a Solomon, G., & Schrum, L. (2007). Web 2.0: New Tools, New learner and how Schools. Eugene, OR: International Society for you assess Technology in Education. your own perform ance in completi ng the assignm ent(s). (2 Points) 3. How did your learning and interacti on with colleagu es (such as discussi on forum, web confere nces, wiki and blog particip ation, etc.) affect the results of your perform ance? (2 Points)

Lifelong Learnin g Skills 1. Criticall y reflect (see note above; not just recitatio n of facts) upon what you gained about learning and how you learn that will impact your future learning . (3 Points) 2. How will your past interacti ons and collabor ations with colleagu es impact your future learning experien ces? (2 Points) 3. As a lifelong learner, what question s or issues challeng e you and are worthy of future research or investig ation? (2 Points)

Additio nal Criteria 1. Content posted to e- Portfoli o wiki/blo g/Googl e site (1 Point) 2. Mechan ics (1 Point) 3. APA Format (1 Point) 4.Minim um of 3 Referen ces (1 Point) (Maximum 25 points)