EDLD 5366 Week 5 - Final Reflection

     As I reflect on the topics learned in this class, I have to say that the CRAP principles applied to all of our assignments was a new and enlightening focus that I had never thought about previously.  When I think about how the new information affected my perceptions, I have to admit I had really not thought about it.  However, I am subconsciously directing my students with assignments that incorporate contrast (colors on flyers and charts), repetition and alignment (using bullets and numbering) and proximity (creating logos and letterheads).  Due to the concentration of the focal points addressed by the CRAP principles, I had a heightened direction to creating projects that highlighted these concepts.  In addition, as I look at documents, advertisements and even the visual assignments I present to my students, I am more cognizant of the way in which I present them.  Will they be more attentive because I have presented the material with contrast or repetition?  Will they notice important facts because they see alignment and proximity?  This is the knowledge my classmates and I used on our website project and I will definitely take back with me to my classroom.

     The website team worked with the concept of creating the project with a focus to concentrate on context rather than content, as we felt this was the primary mission of the assignment.  Utilizing the CRAP principles on our individual pages as well as consistency throughout the website was an important spotlight of our total endeavor.  Pulling together all of the concepts and ideas was a feat, especially as we tried to find time in our busy schedules to meet in Google documents and by email.  However, we were all committed to be an integral part of the group, and I feel that our final website project is proof that our collaboration was meaningful and successful.

     In terms of lifelong learning skills, I now have a heightened sense of the CRAP principles and how they affect what I read, view, and see every day.  As I view documents, advertisements, and even school assignments I will be aware of the principles and how they are displayed.  As in previous classes, I learn through every class that collaboration is available and possible regardless of where you are – you just have to commit to it.  The challenges I face ahead and using the ideas, concepts and principles that I have learned in not only this class, but in my other classes, is being able to develop meaningful, challenging and relevant assignments for my students that engage and include them in their own learning process. I will continue to research and learn whatever I can to help my students achieve to their highest potential.
 
    Websites in the classroom are a way in which students can engage in obtaining important information, class discussion, and creative projects.  Currently I am planning to start using a classroom blog, to connect further with my students and engage them in forming opinions and reflecting on various current events and topics.  “A reflection is mostly for helping the learner become aware of his or her own learning experience and communicate that to the teacher.” (Aguilar, 2009)  The thought is for me to post a question weekly for them to respond to, not just with “agree or disagree”, but they must expand on their thoughts and opinions.  This idea came one of the readings as it states, “Teachers monitor these discussions and push them to become more substantive.” (Yoshida, 1997) I would encourage my students to give only yes or no answers, but instead urged them to continue their thoughts through substantive discussion of the topic.  In another one of our readings, “The most powerful learning often happens when students self-monitor, or reflect.” (Gerstein, 2011) It has been a fun and enlightening experience for all of us, and I intend on finding ways to expand the blog idea within my classes. 

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.

EDLD 5366 - Manuscript Reflection - Week 1

Click to see Henry VIII's Psalter


This manuscript, created for King Henry VIII, was colorfully illustrated. All four principles of design are represented in this particular sample. Contrast can be found in the use of color in the illustrations. Light colors offset by darker colors bring the viewers attention to specific parts of the pictures. Another example of this design element is the use of colorful, decorative capital letters at the beginning of each verse contrasts with the smaller, black characters of the remainder. These are repeated throughout the manuscript. Repetition is found in the use of rotating ornamental graphics placed at the end of the verses. These are used to fill in the empty space at the end of the verse to insure the lines all end on the right-hand margin. Examples of the final element, proximity, are the illustrations that are placed beside specific verses to bring attention to the message. This manuscript was bound in red velvet with silver-guilt corner pieces and clasp demonstrating the importance of this document.