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 * 3.4 Assignment Reflection on EDLD 5366 Digital Graphics, Animation and Desktop Publishing **

This course which came on the heel of the course, School Law, was a welcomed refreshment. Loaded with activities that involved engaging multimedia applications; this course was educational and entertaining. I enjoyed designing my teaching tool, logo, and newsletter. It is important that I master skills in this course because I, more than likely, will train teachers and students on use of them as a technology facilitator


 * Self Assessment **

Much of the knowledge gained in this course was new knowledge to me. Understanding the elements of graphic design principles which includes contrast, repetition, alignment, and proximity to create a teaching tool was interesting (“Basic Design Principles”, 2009). Branding myself to create a logo was an encouraging activity as I learned what some family and friends thought of me. The concepts that I learned were enriching and consistent with knowledge gained throughout the program, especially learning about using technology to meet the needs of diverse learners. It is said that some common technology can support teachers’ efforts to meet these needs and differentiate instruction (Wahl & Duffield, 2005). This was somewhat old knowledge in that I have always used technology in this way in my classroom. Yet the integration of the new with was familiar, refined my knowledge base and facilitated the completion of the assignment.


 * Learn as a Learner **

This course brought a comfort zone for me in that the activities and readings were just enough that I wasn’t swamped with grad course work and school work. A balance was finally struck. Furthermore, it came during a time on the school calendar when we have to holiday breaks. Because of these breaks, I was able to complete my readings and assignments with ease. I respond well to activities that are multisensory, high in application, and hands-on. As a result of this, my performance was at its peak. The interaction with colleagues, friends, and family was rewarding. Giving and receiving feedback about the teaching tool opened up for constructive criticism. I now have adopted the “critical friend” strategy in my collaborations with others by giving “warm” (affirming and appreciative comments) and “cool” (statements or questions that shed light on weaknesses without being condescending and critical) feedback (EDLD 5366, Week 1 Discussion Activity). Alcantara’s (2009) “Who Am I, What Am I” activity was heart-warming. I got feedback from family and friends during Thanksgiving break and learned that for the most part I was an outgoing, effervescent, and honest individual. With this added information, my performance revealed a confident technologist since these are positive attributes to possess that will enhance my social skills in the future.


 * Lifelong Learning Skills **

The intricacies involved in developing multimedia based activities to meet diverse learner needs complements my desire to make learning hands-on and applicable. Having the skills to create engaging lessons that incorporate these strategies will benefit my performance in this area and impact learning. Because of my positive interactions with others, influencing educators to implement technology should not be a challenge. My only concern is planning for this kind of technology use.

Alcantara, L. (2009). //The art of self branding//. Retrieved from []

Wahl, L. & Duffield, J. (2005). //Using flexible technology to meet the needs of diverse learners//. Retrieved from []

//Basic design principles//. (2009). Retrieved from http://www.scribd.com/doc/23940707/Contrast-Repetition-Alignment-Proximity