EDLD 5366 - Week 5 Assignment

Self-Assessment

            There are two essential points that I gained. The first one no longer allows me to look at any published document, website, or visual media without being aware of and identifying the four basic design principles of contrast, repetition, alignment, and proximity.   These four principles not only guide you through competition of your media, it also serves as a method to double check your work. (Rundle, 2006)  Secondly, I find myself no longer being satisfied with the status quo. I realize that I must seek new technologically based instructional methods and opportunities on a consistent, almost daily basis.

Learn as a Learner

            My perspective was shifted from that of instructor to that of group member and co-learner. Our website was one of cooperative and collaborative learning. Each member brought a certain amount of responsibility and contribution to the project which forced a perspective of reliance that I normally don’t associate with. This was a positive and reminded me of the need for cooperation within the classroom. This also reinforced the value and importance of using web 2.0 tools when completing an assignment.

Lifelong Learning Skills

The very essence of being an educator is that we engage in a lifelong process of learning. (Day, 1999) If we as educators continually seek the most current technology based instructional methods, we will in fact, be simultaneously adhering to both lifelong learning skills and providing our students an opportunity to learn on a relatable plain.

 Implementation in the Classroom

            One of my concerns is that in hindsight, I may have become complacent in my instructional methods. Web 2.0 tools have been a part of my repertoire for some time now, but I find myself not seeking newer tools as they become available. I must address areas that I have regarded as non-learning such as social bookmarking sites. These sites allow storing, describing, and sharing bookmarks. (Alexander, 2006) My prior philosophy didn’t consider how such a concept could be utilized in the classroom. That must change.

           

Citations

Rundle, M. (2006, April 06). How c.r.a.p is your site design?. Retrieved from http://blog.teamtreehouse.com/how-crap-is-your-site-design

Day, C. (1999). Developing teachers: The challenges of lifelong learning. Routledge.

Alexander, B. (2006). Web 2.0: A new wave of innovation for teaching and learning?. Educause review, 41(2), 32.