MelodieR

Melodie R

(This fox was napping in my backyard in February) =Assignment #2 - Reflection=

Mary Bart wrote and interesting summary about the positive impact of using technology in the classroom in __//How Technology Can Improve Learner-Centered Teaching - Faculty Focus.//__ I really like the idea that technology shifts the balance of power toward the student and means they will need to take more responsibility for their learning as well. Not only will they learn to be more self-directed, they will be able to learn at their own pace. This fits well with the Creative Communications program because our students range from adult university grads who already work in the communications industry to students just out of high school. She mentions technologies that can support this, but it also makes me think of how much easier it would be to provide supplementary material for both those who want to further their learning beyond the basics of the lesson as well as those who want or need more rudimentary practice.It's not really news to me that technology helps to organize, facilitate and evaluate learning, but I am reminded that online quizzes can save a lot of paper and manual marking!

One of the points that resinates with me most is that "integrating technology takes a fair amount of upfront time". I am passionately in favour of us keeping on top of technology and implementing it in the classroom. I am a fairly early adopter when it comes to tech gadgets and whenever I hear of an interest app or cool new online technology it makes me very excited! The million dollar question though, is how on earth to find the time. I think a huge help to getting teachers to embrace and implement new technology will be providing strategies and supports that help them find the time to learn.

= Assignment #4 - Reflection =

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 * Reference **

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** “…a classroom that uses videos/vodcasts/podcasts as instructional tools to help time-shift the instruction of concepts so students receive the most support (teacher presence) when they are working on the heaviest cognitive load (actually solving problems and working on understanding/using the content by themselves).” ** **// http://flippingwithkirch.blogspot.ca //**

The flipped classroom….well, //of course//. It seems so obvious (now that I know what it is) that it’s how we should be teaching in the classroom. Kirch says leave the lower level Bloom (know, understand etc.) for the students to do at home, and let the students work on higher level Bloom (create, apply, etc.) in the classroom while you are present to provide guidance and support them.

The basic premise of the flipped classroom is two things. The first is to have your lecture (or reading of base teaching method) taped and ready for the students to review on demand on their own time. It’s a great idea because to for the students to absorb the information they basically just have to pay attention and take notes. Does this really need to be done live? Not really. Having this ready on demand will also allow the students to replay the video as needed to review while they work on the assignment portion. The second is to explore the teaching in depth and have students do “the work” in the classroom. This allows for much more one-to-one interaction with the teacher and each other as they further apply their learning.


 * Watch, Summarize and Question **
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I really like how Kirch applies this method to her classroom. The students need to watch the lesson she has prepared, at a time of their choosing. Then, they need to write a summary of what they learned. Finally, they need to prepare questions – one question they would like an answer to (which would be explored by the class) and one question they already KNOW the answer to, which they will guide their classmates in exploring.


 * Use of technology **

“You can be a good teacher and never use technology, and technology won’t turn a bad teacher into a good one. However, a good teacher who uses technology well can make great things happen!”

- Rushton Hurley What I like most about this course so far is that we as teachers must get on board with the idea that technology can (and should) revolutionize the way we teach. I think the flipped classroom is an excellent example of a practical, achievable way to implement technology in a way that is not too burdensome on the instructor and can make great things happen in the classroom. Kirch is passionate about teaching using this method and offers an extraordinary collection of resources and connections to help you learn all about it - from what it is to why you should do it to the impact is has in the classroom. = = =** Assignment #7 Reflection **= = = By: [|Laure Paquette, PhD] in [|Instructional Design]
 * Using Role Play Simulations to Promote Active Learning **

This article introduces the basics of roleplay including a very straightforward example. It puts the concept on my radar and is a good example of student- centred learning, although I’d need to do more reading to be inspired about more creative ways it can be applied.

One way I already apply this strategy is in first year advertising. The students are introduced to the basic principles of marketing and then get into groups to develop a product and then present in a live, mock “Dragon’s Den”. The students play the role of a entrepreneurs pitching their product ideas, and a panel of instructors are the Dragons. The students really enjoy it and the presentations give them a lot to think about in terms of how to market products and how to pitch.

Another ways that it could be applied to my curriculum is in second year advertising: I’d like to introduce a unit on client management that includes a roleplay assignment. In this scenario the students play the “client reps”, and I arrange potential clients. The task, at the end of meeting and interviewing the clients would be for the students to produce a creative brief, and for the clients to evaluate how well the students did.

By: [|Patty H. Phelps, EdD] in [|Philosophy of Teaching]
 * Transforming Your Teaching Style: A Student-Centered Approach **

I really enjoyed this article for its clarity and brevity. Many of the CAE courses focus on this subject and this is clearest thing I have read so far as what we should be trying to achieve and why. It’s a very good introduction from a personal point of view.

These lines in particular resonate with me, and I’ll keep it at the forefront of my mind when I return from maternity leave:

// I have come to realize that it is not so much what students know as what they can do. Likewise, teaching is not about what I know but what I enable others to do. Thus, I have changed the ways in which I teach to build students’ capacities. // Although I am not an experienced teacher, I related to how I thought learning needed to be all about what it is my brain, rather than how to create an environment where students can reach their capacities and can demonstrate their learning. Good stuff!

Barry: "Although all had distinct assignments, they were encouraged to cooperate with each other to accomplish a common goal". I like how you have the students present as a cooperative. It's good to have individual assignments but it is a very "real world" experience to have them acknowledge they are only one part of the whole project and you have to work together for it to be a success. Advertising agencies work in the same way - the client rep, writer, designer and producer each play a role as part of the overall team that will make the project a success or not.

Donna: I can see why if would be a challenge to think of other role playing scenarios in the classroom. I was wondering if you do any units on dealing with difficult clients? Maybe you could do some role playing where he students act as (an deal with) some of the more common client relations challenges you face in your profession? = = =** Assignment #10 Webquest **=

I could develop a webquest that would teach students about personal brands. Students would learn what a personal brand is, why it is important, and the different aspects to consider regarding their own personal brand. Once finished, they would have the task of creating a promotional piece that demonstrates their personal brand. It could be a poster, prezi presentation, cd…anything they choose that reflects who they are and what the want to portray. This gives them the chance to showcase their creative thinking and originality.
 * __ Description __**

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 * __ Websites that would be beneficial: __**

I’d need to look at a few other sources and would like to include a video from a strong brand personality or two (e.g. Oprah, Richard Branson). I think this will inspire the students to make sure they are really looking to see how they will differentiate themselves. I’d also find some Mac vs. PC commercials to show brans personality in an advertising context.
 * __ Additional Info and Purpose __**

I’d also want to provide detailed instructions on what they need to include in their promotional piece:
 * 1) Brand personality: list five adjectives that best describe your brand.
 * 2) Brand differentiation: what are the things that make you different from others? What could be said about you that cannot be said about someone else?
 * 3) Brand values: what are the unshakeable core beliefs of “Brand You?” What do you stand for? What do you value?
 * 4) Brand promise: what can you genuinely promise to deliver? This can take the form of a succinct slogan-like statement, or more an in-depth statement akin to a mission.
 * 5) Brand vision: what does your brand aspire to be? Think big by asking yourself: “What do I want to be known – or famous – for doing?”

> WADE - This idea is terrific and I would like to use this idea in my Career Development class; with your permission of course.
 * 1) Brand name: that’s your name. Is your brand best represented by your full name, first or last name only, or your initials? Or is there another moniker that better aligns with your brand personality?

=Assignment #8 Learner Centred Approaches=

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Reflection
D. Pink - book on creativity (left brain can be outsourced)

Elaine: Excellent slides, good choices to make dry info more interesting, liked use of humour, very well prepared and confidently presented

Michele: Well done, could you add more technology components? Ah! Well answered re: case study.

Marni: Good use of discussion board - I haven't considered using one before and now will.

Michael: Prezi yeah! Nice job. Thorough. Good speaking voice.

Roxanne: Will implement digital storytelling after being inspired by you. Will do it on advertising eras e.g. "Mad Men"

Donna Wow yet another idea to implement - Think, write, pair, share for advertising concepts and copy (e.g. radio ad copy). Love it!

Gil You made me laugh - good sense of humour. I like how evaluation included observation if the student is having fun. I like the idea of doing a self evaluation - never tried it before and will.

Stefan Like the quote at the beginning which reinforces that having the teacher do all the work is not good for the teach OR the students. I like your real-world case study and wonder if I could incorporate "problem solving" (rather than always "projects") in my class. Maybe taking an existing ad and refining it.

Bryan Smart to have groups to create quiz questions and have them relate questions to their own experience. I can ask my students more about their experiences with advertising, such as coming up with good local examples. I could do a scavenger hunt of sorts.

David Further to the above, I like your simulation that gives hands on experiences. Our program is based on writing but maybe there is a way to satisfy hands-on learners. Maybe they could make something to express thier creativity. Good presentation - you seemed comfortable doing it.

Debbie Good "adaptation" to suit your one-day teaching. I will use K-W-L as an icebreaker too for first day second year!

Tom Nice Prezi! Really like the teamwork of the puzzle pieces, knowing they would screw up, and how to adjust. Interesting collaboration. Reminds me of a Survivor challenge! Am really digging these Webquests - especially for job preparedness since there is tons of existing info.

Brenda Great idea for a graphic organizer.

Wade Re-leaned about types of resumes, thanks! Ooh - unsolicited resume - that's a GREAT idea for my students who want to work for places like www.theonion.com. You can use my branding assignment for sure, and I will use yours, FYI The questions we developed by another instructor, Audra Lesosky, but you are fine to use them.

= = =Assignment - 5 Hour Learning Project= media type="custom" key="23056802"

Elaine: Beautiful work and a nice story. Interesting process. I like your evaluation at the end of what you think went well and what you would change.

Michele: Great topic. Congratulations! Smart to get a tour. I really like the visuals - it adds a lot to your presentation. Hope to see the video as well. Nice choice for the bottles to support the community! The wine sounds delicious. Very thorough explanation of the process.

Marni: Smart use of video in your presentation. You sounded really positive in your presentation and it made me excited for you that you learned this. Glad you sorted out to use acrylic yarn - good tip for you to find online! Great advice "knit one pearl one".

Tom: Wow - Beautiful work. Interesting to hear about the issues and the need for manual touching up. So much terminology I don't understand but I enjoyed the presentation very much. Prezi is my new friend! Nice touches of humour.

Michael: Fun to hear the journey to extract brewing vs. other types. Excellent addition of photos to help tell the story. Nice job!

Donna: Good choice of topic to also add value to your home! Congratulations on your first Prezi!

Gill: Inspirational topic in that it includes your family! Great use of photos and exciting video. Liked your enthusiasm.

Stefan: Cool idea! Seemed like a very in depth webquest.

Bryan: Liked the inventory list - reminds me to review with students what they already know and skills they already have (encouraging them that they have some tool to succeed already.)

David: I'd like to re-learn using a camera not on auto-pilot as well. Thanks for the tutorial on manual settings. Clear info - well delivered.

Debbie: Nice to kill two birds with one stone (getting it done and use it as an assignment). Smart to stay off the 'net for medical info! Good to do additional research with friends to verify info.

Wade: Good score on the drum kit for $140. Excellent advice form your friend about setting ip up in a traditional way so you can use anyone else's set up. Fun project and really suited auditory learners - got my attention! Great finish.

Roxanne: Ironic that your tire went flat just before you learned, haha. Good for you for deciding to make a learning experience out of it in the pouring rain no less. Great presentation!

Brenda: Interesting topic. Lovely designs on the slides. Way more interesting than hearing about Cadets ;) Great to show the finished product on yourself!

