Multimedia Tools in Education-677 Final Blog

Multimedia Tools in Education-677

Final Blog

As I reflect back on the work completed in this course, there are two assignments which stand out the most.  These two projects are something I probably wouldn’t have done on my own, either scared off that the tech component would be too difficult, or that it’s something I wouldn’t necessarily use.  

The first is a classroom newsletter.  I had always wanted to create a newsletter for my classroom but asked myself, will parents even read it? How much time will this take out of my already busy schedule?  In the article, “Effective Communication via a Classroom Newsletter By: Janelle Cox, there is a section called, Effective Communication: Less is More.  She states, “Oftentimes teachers tend to make their newsletters too wordy. They have so much that they want to say that they just ramble on, and it ends up looking more like a letter than a newsletter. Try to avoid long, wide paragraphs. If it’s important to note that students will need a sports jersey for jersey day then don’t put that in the middle of the newsletter. If you want your message to stand out, then the best way to do that is by breaking up your information into short paragraphs and bullet points. Try to keep it to about ten words per line and format it so it is in columns.” After looking through the resources from this Module, I’ve realized a newsletter can be pretty simple, but opens the doors of communication even more. The newsletter doesn't necessarily have to be long, drawn out, paragraphs.  It should be short and to the point highlighting only the most important information.  After speaking with some parents they would rather bullet points to read, one less thing to add onto their already busy schedules.  Below is a link to an example of what I would like my newsletter to look like which is a goal I am setting for myself next year.     

Link:

View the Original Page

Another project that I was apprehensive about was creating a book trailer.  I have  seen this done before and it just seemed too far away from what I am capable of in the world of technology.  It wasn’t the easiest project I completed, and I’m sure there was an easier and more tech savvy way of doing it, but in the end I was proud at the fact that I had accomplished something I would not have tried otherwise.  In the article, “Test Their Knowledge Using Student-Created Videos, by Nicholas Bourke, he states, “Today’s students are digital learners, and they typically enjoy working with technology. Movie making can be a very motivating way to incorporate elements of project-based learning because it allows students to develop their creativity. They want to produce a quality product that their classmates and others will enjoy viewing.”  If I want my students to be creative and take risks  as digital learners, then I need to be able to do the same.  In the future, I am excited to try different techniques.  Below is a link to the book trailer for The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, by Kate DiCamillo.   

Link:

Download Edward Tulane Book Trailer.wlmp

In conclusion, with each course that I take I am willing to make more mistakes.  It has been through the countless mistakes made while creating projects, I have learned what to and not to do and even some shortcuts.  What is even more powerful is that I am able to share this with my students, ask for their feedback, and learn from them.  I’ve really enjoyed learning from other teachers in this course as well and how easy it can be to integrate ideas into the classroom. 

Course Reflection: Multimedia Tools in Education
Augmented Reality VS. Virtual Reality

“Augmented reality enhances experiences by adding virtual components such as digital images, graphics, or sensations as a new layer of interaction with the real world. Contrastingly, virtual reality creates its own reality that is completely computer generated and driven.”  This is a quote from the article, “Virtual Reality vs. Augmented Reality”.  It was interesting to read about the similarities and differences of both these technological advancements.  

I do not have any experience with either one, other than video games, but could see how this could easily be woven into instruction given the proper technology.  I’m always a little leery on the new technology craze.  While I feel it certainly enhances learning and adds the element of engagement, I am always concerned about how it takes away from standard communication skills.  Does it create a world where we no longer need to meet face to face and in the long run, how will that impact us as a society?  Then I watched the Ted Talk with Meron Gribetz and I appreciated how he explained that these new technologies can actually “extend the human experience” instead of distracting us.  

It then made me think about how it would connect with my classroom and science was the first subject that came to mind.  Whenever we have an experiment, it is typically done in groups or as a demo.  Students are always so eager to get their hands on the materials and learn from them.  By using augmented reality, I feel this would allow all students to experience the learning at the same time, rather than waiting their turn.  Another subject I thought augmented reality would be useful in is Social Studies.  I used to teach 5th Grade where we focused on American History, teaching from as early as the American Revolution through WWII.  Our world is very different now as it was during these times in history, but how engaging would it be to use augmented learning or even virtual reality to allow students to travel back in time and feel like they were actually living during those times?  They would be able to see first hand what the streets looked like, the way people dressed, what a typical home might look like, or even the local grocer.

Course Reflection: Throughout this course I have learned a lot of new ways to integrate technology into my classroom.  I have even tried a few of the ideas presented to us and my class was very receptive to it.  At times, I even asked some students what they thought of a project, the book trailer specifically, and used their feedback to enhance it.  They too, know that I’m still working through the glitches of technology, but I think that gives them a model of how even as adults, we are continually learning.