Reflection+on+EDLD+5366


 * Reflection on EDLD 5366 Digital Graphics, Animation, and Desktop Publishing **

“ Integration of multimedia into instruction can help to reduce curriculum barriers and improve learning for all students. This article provides a basic introduction to multimedia and describes how it can be used to support student learning” (Rose, 2002). Students enter the educational system with pre-learned technology experience. Using technology to deliver information is a logical step to assist students with the learning process. Animation attracts the attention of the younger age groups and peaks the interest of the older. Branding allows them to personalize their creations. Educators are always seeking ways to “hook” the attention of their students. As a mathematics teacher it is always a difficult task to keep the attention of the students and get them interested because as we all know the saying “I hate Math”! Creating power points with animation to introduce a mathematics concept is a real attention getter. The newsletter activity provided me with a means of giving out important information in an eye catching format. “Because children are best able to show learning in ways that express their individuality, many students benefit from multiple ways of looking at and assessing learning. For some, it provides a way they can succeed when they otherwise may not” (Wahl & Duffield, 2005).

As society increases the need for convenience and speed of line learning will be a great asset. The benefits of creating online classes are endless. Online Learning would allow new knowledge to be disbursed or previously learned knowledge to be reinforced. The ability to effectively create an online learning environment would change the world of education as we currently know it. The stand and deliver method of getting information to the masses would turn into a virtual all you can learn buffet, where teachers monitor and assist students with their individual learning needs. Online courses would be designed for the individual learner instead of a “One size fits all” style. The learner would be able to move at his or her own pace instead of struggling to keep up with the rest of the class. Knowing how to design and implement an online learning environment would allow teachers to differentiate instruction. Teachers across the globe would be able to interchange class lessons, units, or and entire courses with each other.

Providing differentiated instruction can at times be a very difficult task. With the variation of learning styles that are present in any particular class the task of reaching every student becomes increasing difficult. Utilizing the skill of online course design would help address this issue. Designing an online course would allow the slower learner to review the instructional material frequently. Extra clarification of activities could be included for the tactile learner. The interactivity will capture the attention of a student that is ADD. For the advanced student, enrichment activities would be just a few clicks away. Online learning will assist in moving today’s student to an independent 21st century learning student. Having to keep track of fifty plus worksheets and the days they are due would become obsolete. Keeping track of who turned in an assignment and who did not would be just a click and a glance away.

This class was very informative and exciting for me. I created an informative newsletter for my mathematics students that contained information related to TAKS. The branding project was very interesting. I explored areas that I had no idea existed. The animation project introduced me to new software that I did not know existed. Every day we are faced with the challenges of improving the quality of education for our students. As educators we have the never ending task of preparing students for the 21st century. Wouldn’t it be wonderful for a student who is at home ill not to miss what is going on in class? Online course design could be the answer. Creating an online course would eliminate the “I’ve been absent, what have I missed and do I have any make up work?” Students would have access to what is going on in class while they are out. Educators could design special units for remediation and enrichment for a given subject area. Different learning styles could be included to address the various learning styles. Online course development could also be used to help parents assist their children with homework and increase their understanding in their own areas of weakness. **This new use of technology allows the educator to open the door to learning through creativity. Thinking out of the box by way of using a newsletter to present information, review information or just to get students turned on to your subject matter is a phenomenal way to spark learning. The possibilities are endless. **

**References ** Rose, D.H. & Meyer, A. (2002). //Teaching every student in the digital age: Universal// //Design for Learning. //Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervis8ion & Curriculum Development (ASCD).

Northeast Regional Educational Laboratory. (n.d) Meeting the needs of diverse learners. []

Wahl, L., & Duffield, J. (2005). Using flexible technology to meet the needs of learners. []