EDLD 5366 Reflection

            I have learned a great deal during this course. Most of what I learned is related to the design principles of contrast, repetition, alignment, and proximity (CRAP) which applied to every assignment in this course. Prior to this course, I had never really thought much about design, but now the importance is obvious. From now on, I will incorporate these principles into my lessons, and I will teach my students to utilize these principles into their own work.

         Our team worked together to create a website that utilized the CRAP principles both as a whole and on our individual pages. We had to collaborate using digital techniqes, to increase alignment and repetition before our submission, and our product reflected all four principles.

            The learning I have done in this course will have an effect on me for the rest of my career and life. I am constantly assessing my work and the work of others to consider how the CRAP principles may have been implemented. I have gained experience that supports the use of collaboration and shows how useful it can be to get feedback from others. I also learned that it is not very difficult to collaborate without being in the same location. I will continue to research and seek opportunities to improve on my CRAP utilization and digital collaboration.

            Employing websites in the classroom can be an engaging way to increase student learning and achievement. Websites may be created by others, me, or the students. It is important to give credit to others when using their thoughts or materials.

            Websites can be a useful media for reflection. “A reflection is mostly for helping the learner become more aware of his or her own learning experience.” (Aguilar, 2009) Without reflection, one might not realize that they are learning and could become discouraged. Reflections should be meaningful, and teachers should guide students to sharpen their reflective ability. “Teachers monitor these discussions and push them to become more substantive.” (Yoshida, 1997) Reflection is a critical component of the learning process and should be applied whenever possible. “The most powerful learning often happens when students self-monitor, or reflect.” (Gerstein, 2011).

            I will incorporate the CRAP principles and reflection concept throughout the remainder of my life. This will help me be a better learner and communicator.

                                                                         References

 

Aguilar, E. (2009, June 09). How to foster student feedback. Retrieved from              http://http://www.edutopia.org/fostering-student-feedback.
 

Gerstein, J. (2011, August 16). Where is reflection in the learning process? Retrieved from http://http://usergeneratededucation.wordpress.com/2011/08/16/where-is-reflection-in-the-learning-process/.

Yoshida, C. (1997, July 1). Creating a culture of student reflection: Self-assessment yields positive results. Retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/creating-culture-student-reflection.

 

 

Animation

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rtufw9TLrU&feature=youtu.be

5366 Ancient Manuscript Review (Lisbon Hebrew Bible)

The Lisbon Hebrew Bible has helped me realize that design has played a large role in conveying information throughout history. This Bible has a sharp contrast of colors on every page. The boarder of intricate flowers and birds are contrasted with inlays of gold text around the main text. Repetition is clearly seen in the text style and flower boarders from page to page. The text is aligned in two columns down each page for the most part. Proximity is apparent in the text to group what appear to be chapters. Larger or smaller spaces are around different headings.