EDLD+5366+Reflections


 * EDLD 5366 Reflections **

Digital Graphics, Animation, and Desktop Publishing has been a very interesting course. Learning new programs has been challenging and very exciting. The technology courses used throughout the Lamar program have introduced a variety of free online open source software that I did not know were available. My enthusiasm and spark for learning have returned. Something I thought was not possible at this stage of my life. I have always enjoyed learning, but recently I have experienced the excitement about learning that I once experienced as a child. Referring to integrating technology in education through the use of computer games, Halverson wrote, “ Young people must clearly want something that the formal institutions of which they are a part cannot, or at least do not, provide” (Halverson, 2005, para. 23). In order to advocate for technological advancements in our school district, I need to experience the newer programs and software our students are experiencing.

According to research conducted in 2008 by SEG Research, an independent educational research firm located in New Hope, Pennsylvania, “…when text is included with video or graphic information, it should be presented in close proximity to the pictures” (“Understanding Multimedia,” 2008, p. 6). I have always liked to make things flow smoothly. My idea of neatness has always been lining things up methodically, coordinating colors, using consistent format, etc… Planning was an essential part of the weekly assignment. “Regardless of whether the newsletter is being built by children or adults, planning is an essential part of building a newsletter” (Lamb, 2005, p.1). While creating the newsletter assignment, it was no surprise to me that my personal style seemed to be getting in the way of creativity. Applying contrast, repetition, alignment, and proximity (CRAP) made me nervous. The newsletter as a whole was not meeting my standards of uniformity, consistency, and visual appeal. Much like the students in a grade school classroom, I had a “light bulb” moment. My “light bulb” moment came when I stepped back to reflect on the overall goal of the newsletter. The goal was to create an appealing product incorporating design principles (CRAP). The goal was to incorporate my personal style not to hide it.

With this new knowledge, I returned to working on the newsletter. I approached the project in the same manner that I approach writing a research paper—transitioning from one section of the newsletter to another was similar to the transitions from one paragraph to another. When the newsletter was complete, I was very pleased with the finished product. I have learned many things about Educational Technology and Leadership in the classes I have taken in the Lamar University Program. The most important lessons that I have learned have been about myself. Using Bloom’s Revised Digital Taxonomy to develop personal learning strategies and self-assess my assignments is helping me achieve good results with my course assignments. Bloom’s Revised Digital Taxonomy can be used to help develop active and engaging learning strategies. The Revised Taxonomy involves concrete action words used to define active and direct measures that are useful for self-assessment for adult learners. References

Halverson, R. 2005. What can K-12 school leaders learn from video games and gaming? //Innovate// 1 (6). Retrieved from

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Lamb, A. (2005). Planning newsletters. Retrieved from []

Understanding Multimedia Learning: Integrating multimedia in the K-12 classroom. (2008, September). Retrieved from

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