Learning Multimedia Tools to Podcasts to Virtual Reality-- EEND677Y Recap

Module 8 Discussion: 

When starting this last discussion post, I found that I needed to do some research myself to determine the difference between virtual and augmented reality. The article on our resource page “Virtual vs. Augmented Reality” was a great starting place, and I realized I was not alone in mixing up these two types of technology. I dug a little a deeper by reading the EdSurge article “How to Transform your classroom with augmented reality” by Patricia Brown. 

Brown suggested in the article that Augmented Reality “…started out as something that was simply ‘cool,’ has become a way to engage learners like never before.” When reflecting on how I’ve used Augmented reality within my classroom, I thought of green screen projects… (again, I’m struggling to determine if this really is AR?).  I’ve used green screen projects most recently during a social studies lesson, in which my students shared reasons that they would be good presidents. Each student gave there speech standing in front of a “waving American Flag” that was added after the fact via the green screen. I’ve also used QR codes within my classroom for students to share their work, or learn about different topics. As for virtual reality, I’d say my classroom uses have been more limited. I know in our upcoming construction unit my students will pretend that they are riding on a roller coaster, however, this is the first virtual reality opportunity I’ve encountered.

Course Reflection: 

Module 5: Graphic Design and Typography really impacted my teaching and communication with families. I couldn’t select just one article from this week as they all were very informative, and impact. The information shared in regards to typography was really important, especially as a primary teacher. My students benefit from fonts in which are simple and easy to read/use. I have made more of an effort to be aware of the fonts I was using and my students’ ability to read the font. The article from Module 6 entitled, “Why No One Reads Your Classroom Newsletter” was also VERY interesting. Since reading that article, I’ve made changes to my weekly newsletter. I’ve eliminated lengthy paragraphs and instead try to use bullet point lists with graphics to share classroom updates. This is a process I’d still like to continue improving in, even after our class is complete. 

Overall, this course has pushed me out of my comfort zone (and from behind my computer) to learn and implement new techniques within my classroom. I'm not sure anyone enjoys watching them selves as they record themselves replying to a discussion post, nor do they enjoy hearing themselves in a screencast, however, these uncomfortable experiences pushed me to grow as an educator. As mentioned above, I want to continue to improve my parent communication, and ensure that it is utilized by all of my families. I also want to continue to utilize different multimedia approaches within my classroom. I also have a number of ways in which I'd like to incorporate more QR usage within my classroom both for students to share their learning, and as a opportunity for students to learn from others. I hope that my students are as excited about this as I am!