I am learning so much in this intensive media literacy class and I have a to do list for the weekend homework and to get me prepared for class and my final project next week. Luckily I am more comfortable with the blogging platform and I am feeling ahead of the game, since I already watched the Sugata MitraTed Talk, and Moana earlier in the week with my family. I also bought the textbook earlier in the summer and read it from cover to cover so I feel prepared to select an excerpt and blog about it. Jumping ahead on these things helped me with the pacing over the long holiday weekend so I don't feel overwhelmed. I also already peeked ahead at the digital tools document and I am excited to pick a tool to play with. I am going to save this until the end as recommended. In this class I have learned to use blogs, podcasts and websites as a way of engaging students and I am planning on implementing these in my classes going forward. My plan is to spend the weekend working on my project and writing the 5 blogs I need to submit before Wednesday.
Since I had many ahh ha moments in this class about the pedagogy used here and how I can implement more independent learning, I have decided to make my project about updating my syllabus to a live document with hyperlinks to everything needed. When I think about and consider my beliefs about education I realize how important it is to have organization, clear expectations, and engaging learning opportunities to facilitate understanding and knowledge of information, skills and why it matters. I like to call it head, heart, hand. I have always been very intentional about meeting and assessing objectives but now want to be more intentional about being flexible and collaborating.
My current syllabus is currently 17 pages and overwhelming. Students are not reading it and I want to simplify and color code it to organize it and make it easier to facilitate. I am currently using platform to house the slides and resources but want to put everything in one place to simplify the experience. When I think about times that I learn best it is when things are clearly laid out and I know exactly what the expectation is. I really liked the checklist used to keep track of assignments and plan on implementing that. I have already set it up so most of the course is self paced and students can jump ahead if they want. the tracker will be perfect for keeping track of their progress. I have heard feedback that students really like having all the assignments listed so they can jump ahead if they desire. I also really like that as a student myself, as you can see from my own jumping ahead.
When I think about other things that I have learned in this class, it has reminded me that my previous work in making my syllabus diverse and comprehensive has paid off. I currently use several methods of assessment beyond exams and allow for creativity with their final project. Since I have been teaching primarily online I needed to do a lot of adjustments to my previous syllabus to make my interactive classroom activities engaging in an online platform. I know I can still do a better job of creating an outside classroom environment to share resources, pictures of past projects and blogs. I am going to explore setting up an instagram for project pictures and a google website for blog and picture sharing. I am hoping that submitting through blogs will encourage my students to blog about other topics important to them and also help the reflections to reach folks outside class.
I plan on also creating a welcome video for students that explains the syllabus and class format. I really enjoyed the slide about me and want to incorporate that as a way to get to know students in addition to the flip grid video I have them submit the first week of school on why they took the class and what they hope to get out of the class. I plan on spending the weekend considering the ways in which I give credit for participation and attendance and how I might be able to adapt whether the exams I give are necessary. I also really enjoyed using the Pecha Kucha as a way of presenting material and will offer that as an option for end of the semester projects. Finally I also want to go through each slide deck and see if there are areas I can give up control and anti-teach and also offer additional opportunities to connect with me outside class and after class has ended because I value the relationships formed during class and want to offer space to continue to share resources and stay in touch. I have a lot to do this weekend but I am excited to have time devoted to adapting the things I learned this week.
I think maintaining some remnants from the online world of learning will be useful. At first, I thought this class was going to be extremely overwhelming, especially after seeing all of the hyperlinks. But having everything consolidated into a few pages has really made all the difference, especially since this class goes by so quickly. I love how much your adopting what we have learned in this class into your own practice!
ReplyDeleteLisa, I love all of your ideas. You have put a lot of thought into this! I hope that this pays off for you and your students!
ReplyDeleteThis is a really great plan, Lisa!!! I'd be really excited to get to experience all of these updates as a student, myself. And you are clearly embracing the notion of giving in to our student's reliance on social media and using it to your, and their, benefit.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a large undertaking but one that you are clearly very motivated by and passionate about. Good luck to you!!