EDLD+5366+Course+Reflection

EDLD 5366 Digital Graphics, Animation, and Desktop Publishing was not the course I originally envisioned. I thought the course was going to be about using graphics and animation in Microsoft Publishing, however, I quickly learned after week one the course was going to include more things than publishing. During Week One I learned about contrast, repetition, alignment, and proximity (C.R.A.P.) in graphic designs. At first I thought I would have problems recognizing CRAP in designs but after reviewing several ancient history manuals from the British Library online turn pages resources it became apparent for me to distinguish the basic principles of design. In examining the British Library for the history of graphic communication and designs, I learned that pictures, words and designs were necessities for them to communicate about their culture. I really enjoyed examining the different historical manuals and the other graphics looking for the basic principles of design.

In the subsequent week, I learned about personal branding which was a concept unfamiliar to me. After reading the articles, “The Art of Self-Branding “, I understood how we market ourselves to the world. I thought [|www.lealea.net/blog] would be a great site to introduce my co-workers to for them to recognize how they brand themselves without realizing it. When I developed my logo, I had to really reflect on me and listen to others describe how they perceived me. I had fun using the LogoSmartz software but I was disappointed that I had to purchase the software to save my logo as a jpg.

The next week we had to develop and create an animation using Scratch or Stykz. I learned how to use Scratch software to create my animation, and it has been advantageous for my students. I asked the campus ITS to install Scratch software in the classroom after I demonstrated how this software could benefit the needs of our at-risk and ELL students.

Overall the developing of the digital newsletter was useful because I can incorporate all the skills and techniques that we learned from previous weeks into a product that I can use with co-workers. This course has been rewarding because I learned about techniques I can incorporate into my diverse classroom to help increase learning and share with my co-worker about how to integrate multimedia into their classrooms. “Technology can help you tailor instruction to meet the needs of all students.” [|www.westedrtec.org/techtips] References: Alcantara, L. (2009). The Art of Self-branding. Retrieved from http://www.lealea.net/blog/comments/the-art-of-self-branding-part-one/ Wahl, L., & Duffield, J. (2005). Using flexible technology to meet the needs of diverse learners. Retrieved from http://www.wested.org/online_pubs/kn-05-01.pdf Technology Tips for Differentiated Instruction