Each class had multiple topics and activities but I compiled a list of one or two from each week that resonated with me the most. I give a short reflection on the topics and why I will carry them with me after finishing this course
Week 1 – WordPress blog set-up
- I had used WordPress to work on websites before this course but had yet to learn how versatile the technology is. This was very inspiring for future lesson planning for older grades, there are lots of options that they can create using WordPress without having to buy web domains.
Week 2 – “Most Likely to Succeed” and project-based learning
- This was great to see a successful example of project-based learning in action! It reminded me of a recent time I saw a learning environment that had students really engaged. We visited a high school last semester and my favorite class to observe was a robotics elective, the students had to build a robot to scoop objects and drop them through hoops. They were on teams so it was collaborative and some of the groups were so successful that they made it to a final competition in Houston, TX. The robotics class followed the guidelines of project-based learning very closely and it made me extremely eager to implement this kind of learning!
Week 3 – screencast, video edit
- I have implemented this technology in my learning constantly throughout the semester following this class. Very valuable information!
Week 4 – Assistive tech/digital accessibility – subtitles, alt-text, accessibility checker
- I love subtitles, this taught me why it not only benefits people who speak the same language as the audio but how important it is for audience members that may be hard of hearing, or speak a different primary language. It is such an easy adaptation to implement and provides great benefits for everyone.
Week 5 – Sketchnoting, infographics
- Sketchnoting has got me through some tough courses as a university student, but this class gave it a name for me and taught me why it is so effective.
Week 6 – Google Keep – knowledge management
- I have started keeping track of my thoughts and ideas digitally and it has given me much more access to edit and improve them as they evolve.
Week 7 – Code with Scratch by MIT
- Unfortunately, I missed this class, hence this course reflection in place of a reflection on using Scratch coding system. Luckily for me, my Dad has volunteered to teach me and any future students about basic coding systems, based on his career and formal education in computer programming and engineering. I missed class because I went home to visit family so this was his solution. I could also dive into https://www.freecodecamp.org/.
Week 8 – Jesse Miller – cyber security, digital footprints, social media, and personal tech in the classroom
I wrote a whole other reflection based on Jesse Miller’s talk, it shifted my thinking in working with technology to help students instead of fighting with them against it.
Week 9 – gaming in education
- I keep anything that can double-dip cross-curricular activities in my pocket for future lesson planning, and video games are an engaging way to increase student understanding across almost any subject. Big fan!
Week 10 – multi-access classrooms, Active Learning with the Arduino Science Journal
- I love that public education is starting to implement more multi-access options for students. Throughout high school, I completed at least 50% of the core subjects through distance learning. This kept me engaged and I could see from the start the entirety of the coursework I was expected to complete. I could finish a course in a third of the time and receive better grades than I was getting in traditional classrooms. The subjects and teachers that had interesting lessons and engaging content were the ones I had no problem completing in classrooms, which for me were biology and math, but language arts, social studies, and life skill classes were all better for me to complete asynchronously. I benefitted greatly from having the option to complete courses in multiple ways.
Thanks so much for the valuable and inspiring knowledge Rich! All of our future students will benefit from your organization and resources.
