Final Reflection for EDU 654
Elizabeth and I worked on developing a course concerning Creative Course design and Multimedia. Sometimes "group" projects can be frustrating and one sided, but we made a great team and I thoroughly enjoyed the process. At the onset we used Zoom to develop our blueprint plan of the course and deliverables. Once this skeleton was in place, the design process flowed smoothly.
One of our goals involved not only highlighting tools not yet used in class, but also to spotlight how "old" tools could be used with a fresh vision. For instance, sharing a slide deck among the learners versus everyone creating their own presentation. The design offered a platform for creative thinking and provided a collaborative environment for further learning. As Elizabeth and I worked through the development of the course, we were able to share new tips and tricks and best practices from our own experiences. We also learned new features within Canvas and used those during the build - such as tabs on a page! The overall experience of interacting with other classmates courses was just as engaging and enriching as building our own.
Prior to working with Elizabeth and developing our course on Creative Design and Multimedia, I had mostly developed for educators in high school or K-12. EDU 654 provided learning opportunities and reflective moments to think beyond developing courses for basically homogeneous groups. Elizabeth and I had to include learning opportunities and practice to meet the needs of all the audience including K-12, business, and higher education. I definitely left my comfort zone trying to create multi-model opportunities to challenge and engage a non-homogeneous student group. I had to find resources that supported their specific needs. And it was not always easy. I felt like there were moments where I struggled, and possibly failed, to keep the material elevated to the appropriate level. I plan to incorporate this knowledge of audience as i continue developing learning courses for teachers in K-12. Despite the the audience being confined to that range there is still a huge opportunity to differentiate the learning to specific groups as beginners, intermediate, and expert levels. My next step beyond providing material geared toward learning levels, I would also like to address audience need by incorporating choice options to build learning paths to their own needs.
I also felt by the end of the course I had honed my course development skills substantially from where I started. One vastly important element to this process was understanding the use of storyboarding. Creating this vital outline at the onset of the course development provided a strategic layout defining the learning goals, assessment strategies, and planning for how the course would unfold. Putting in time to thoroughly plan out the course made the actual development process so much easier. I plan to incorporate this process into all of my course development as I move forward.
My final reflection deals with shared learning (you could even call it a PLN) which developed as a byproduct of the EDU 654 course design. The students spent significant amounts of time blogging or participating in shared discussions. This led to quite a bit of learning as we shared new ideas, challenges, and successes. I gathered information on new technologies, such as VOKI, which will definitely become a part of my course design. I developed a greater perspective on how people learn by dialoging with my classmates. I plan to add in purposeful opportunities for engagement if discussion s and shared learning as I move forward. I have not incorporated "blogging" type platforms, but as I develop courses for more specific audiences I see discussion as a vital part of the growth experience.
Great Post! It is often amazing to me how much I learn when I work in a group. I am not, by my nature, a group person. I like to work alone and I always have. However, working in a group is a great way of getting outside of our personal silo and learning to see the world differently. I have learned/discovered a lot of new tool and strategies from working with people. So while it may be difficult, sometimes, we should strive to work in groups because the rewards can be great!
ReplyDeleteI'm enjoyed your module and I enjoyed spending the semester learning with you. I hope you have get end to your semester and that you have a relaxing summer.
Shaun
Alicia, as instructional designers we do not often have the luxury of designing for an audience we truly know, and have to step outside of our comfort zone regarding subject matter and making what we design and ask of students relevant to their needs instead of ours. I'm glad you found a few items to take back with you :-)
ReplyDeleteShared learning is a powerful takeaway. I appreciate the opportunity to have worked with you this semester and always appreciate the thoroughness of your work and comments. I too will use more storyboarding to help me plan and to prepare for new courses I will be creating this summer. All the best!
ReplyDeleteAlicia,
ReplyDeleteI also liked the opportunity to design for different audiences as it allowed me to think about the options I have with design opportunities as well. I also agree that collaboration and the ability to interact with each other is so important. I loved learning about the tools everyone is using and thinking about how I can use them too!
Thank you so much sharing, and take care!
Amy
Alicia,
ReplyDeleteWow! This was a great post! One of my favorite things that you mentioned was to spotlight how "old" tools could be used with a fresh vision. I think what you and Elizabeth created was perfect and did just that. Audience was a huge take away for me as well and it was nice to hear your take on it. I wish you nothing but the best as you finish the program! It has been great working with you throughout this semester.
Shelby
Alicia,
ReplyDeleteExcellent post. I enjoyed working and learning so much from you this semester. You brought so much and knowledge and creativity to module. We were both way out of our comfort zones, struggled, and as you said, maybe didn't quite reach our standard. But we gained so much through the process. Congrats on graduating and best of luck.
Alicia,
ReplyDeleteFantastic post! Your highlight of designing learning for a "homogeneous" group matched my reality. My training programs are designed for the adult learner in the workforce. Like you EDU 654 moved me to consider course design for other student demographics, and pushed me outside of my comfort zone. I am happy to say I have grown immensely. Best of luck!
Pamela