EDLD5366-8011+Reflection

[|Reflection]

From the CRAP principles to animation, this was one of the most useful courses. While much of the learning was new and time consuming, it is already impacting my students’ learning. I have always had respect for those who design and create animations, advertisements, and newsletters. After studying the processes followed by these designers, my respect has increased.

Contrast, repetition, alignment, and proximity, (the CRAP principles) (Williams, 13) changed how I look at print media, web pages, and my own lessons. I try to incorporate these four principles into each of the media presentations I create for my students. Some of this I did naturally, because it looked better to me; now I make a conscious choice to consider these principles in my designs.

Andrew Churches’ take on Bloom’s Taxonomy has been shared with my campus differentiated instruction team, technology support member, and others who are incorporating technology into their lessons. I am using it daily in my classes as well as a Model Technology Classroom teacher. This has been the perfect resource to bridge my campus push for differentiation, technology and Bloom’s. The learning that has been the most fun for me (and my students) is animation. I have created several animations for my classes using Scratch. Downloading and learning to use it was simple. It only takes minutes to create an animation to present a concept or information to my students. They give input into the sprites (characters) they want to see, such as flying hippos or dancing pigs. They will create their own animations in lessons next semester.

Discussion with classmates and viewing their work made it easier to imagine how publishing, design, and animation can be better used on my campus. My business card was technically correct, but I would not use the same design now. Overall, my view of design has become more critical and technical, which will make me a better designer.

Churches, A. (April 1, 2008) //Bloom’s taxonomy blooms digitally. Retrieved from// [].

// Scratch. // Retrieved from [].

Williams, R. (2008) //The non-designers design book.// Peachpit Press. Berkley, CA.