Blog Posts – Page 2 – Alexa's Blog

Feedback post~ Lauren Mclean

On June 9, 2020

Lauren’s blog offers a detailed review of a moment of multimedia learning she experienced in her past. The detail of different modes of instruction that she received in her history class draws a nice picture of what her class looked like. With many of these forms being written text and lectures, I appreciate her drawing on a form of multimedia instructions that used technology, as it differed so much from the other modes of instructions.

With the specific example of “Crash Course” I am able to go and see what she is talking about. The linked video is a nice touch! She did a good job of linking Mayer’s modality principle when talking about the narrated nature of the videos. Her link to the personalization, voice, embodiment, and image principles when talking about the narrator’s voice good attention to detail in both the videos and readings.

I especially appreciated her link to “Crash Course Kids” as I will be using this as an option for my students more often.

In conclusion, Lauren’s post was well throughout reflection of her past with multimedia instruction and a look into how she may use it in the future.

Feedback post~ Sarah Bjelde

by alexamclean

On June 9, 2020

In edci337-feedback

I first want to comment on Sarah’s organization of her blog. Her layout made it easy to follow, her use of bolded key words draws your eye to areas of importance (Signaling principle), her use of pictures and resources throughout, all worked to create an aesthetically appealing post that flowed well.

I appreciate her argument that the historical use of non-digital multimedia formed the skills for today’s use of technology in a multimedia setting. This is an important concept to think about as educators, how can we use tried-and-true forms of teaching while integrating new forms of technology in order to benefit our learners in the same or even better ways.

Her personal note on brainstorming being a great way to incorporate multimedia learning is a form that I had not thought of! By using Sketchnoting and talking with peers, you are stretching your understanding by using, creating, and learning from multimedia.

I loved her ending quote which stated “Since “technology should complement human abilities, aid those activities for which we are poorly suited, and enhance and help develop those for which we are ideally suited,” multimedia (specifically digital multimedia) should be used purposefully in all classrooms (Mayer, p. 16., 2005)”. This idea of purposeful use of technology is one that I personally align with. I think that a technology centred approach can threaten the learning outcomes (purpose) of lessons sometimes, and when focused on the learner, you can establish a more worthwhile experience that benefits all.

In conclusion, Sarah’s post was an eloquent synthesis of her learning that was a pleasure to read and think about.

Feedback post~ Miss G

by alexamclean

On June 9, 2020

In edci337-feedback

Miss G always included a personal note in her blogs that I enjoy. It makes readers feel like they are personally being spoken to. I appreciate her candour of being apprehensive about using Microsoft as a tool, as I too feel this same apprehension.

Her chosen moment to reflect on multimedia learning (a french music video in highschool) is an intriguing choice. I have never done an activity like this and think it is a great way to engage older learners in foreign language translation. The use of a music video is engaging with visuals, popular music, and perhaps onscreen text. With many modes of representation, the learner can benefit from the Paivio’s Dual coding theory outlined by Sorden in his paper “The Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning”.

I also agree with her argument that a Learner-centred approach, as discussed by Mayer, is a better approach to multimedia instruction. By adapting technology to fit your learners and your learning outcomes, you will always have a beneficial lesson that has the intended takeaways of a multimedia lesson.

In conclusion, Miss G had a well-balanced post of both personal and professional evaluation of both herself and her new-found knowledge of multimedia learning. I look forward to keeping up with her learning journey.

My past with multimedia learning

by alexamclean

On June 6, 2020

In edci337-blog

Multimedia learning without digital technology

My first experience with multimedia learning did not involve technology. Until this lesson, I was unaware that multimedia instruction could include things such as educational picture books or teachers using a chalkboard (chalk-and-talk) (Mayer’s, 2014, p.2). Looking back at my childhood, I had many educational picture books both in school and at home. These books supported my learning by including more than one form of representation( multiple representation principle) of the current topic that I was exploring. In school, these books were often used with a guided discovery principle (Mayer’s, 2014, p. 13). This meant that multimedia learning in the form of books was inquiry-based learning often not part of the curriculum, but instead independent exploration.

As far as the chalk-and-talk, this was the main way that my teacher used multimedia learning. Diagrams and some pictures were used to support the verbal lesson that was taking place. This is the most common form of multimedia learning which still exists in my education today. This integration of multimedia learning is so ingrained as the norm in my education that it often does not feel like a forced process to add these elements of multi-form instruction. I would not be a successful student if it were not for the multimedia instruction that I received and still receive. I can retain information faster and for longer when it is presented in multiple forms to clarify any gaps that exist in a single form of representation.

Multimedia learning with technology

In my past, I have had exposer to technologically led multimedia learning. Although the technology was the centre of attention, it was presented in a learner-centred approach ( Mayer’s, 2014, p. 13). Teachers used technology by showing educational videos from youtube (ex. Crash Course), PowerPoint presentations, and pictures that were supported by either on-screen text, narration, or lecture. I find this to be my most successful way to learn as an adult. I find PowerPoints extremely helpful to focus my attention on important points (Signalling Principle) (Mayer’s, 2014, p. 9). With the addition of visuals on the PowerPoints, I can get a full grasp of what the teacher is explaining. I now find that when a professor does not use a PowerPoint, I feel slightly lost in how to take notes and be actively engaged. The ability to read and hear what the teacher is saying is so helpful especially when learning new topics full of new vocabulary. I also find that PowerPoints help pace teachers, allowing students time to process as they are engaged in the lesson. I find that this method of multimedia instruction is the most successful for me and my peer group.

Citations

Mayer, R. (2014). Introduction to Multimedia Learning. In R. Mayer (Ed.), The Cambridge Handbook of Multimedia Learning (Cambridge Handbooks in Psychology, pp. 1-24). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. doi:10.1017/CBO9781139547369.002

Music final 3/3

by alexamclean

On March 27, 2020

In Music

I had a bit of an interruption in my practicing schedule given that I had to pack up my apartment and move home and then find a ukulele from a friend given that our music stores were closed here. Since then I was able to secure a ukulele and have had plenty of time on my hands to practice. After a full semester of playing “Mamma Mia” I feel like I am at a place that I am ready to submit my final video.

I pivoted away from the video of “Mamma Mia” and instead found tabs for the song. I practiced independently and with Heather who was also learning the song.

I practiced most days of the week for 15 or 20 mins.

In my video, you can see that I have mastered most of the song using smooth chord changes and strumming, correct tuning, and appropriate tempo, but unfortunately, I was unable to get the Bm chord correct at the tempo of play. I have practiced it over and over and given the time restraints, I decided that it was not possible. I will continue to try this chord but maybe in different songs that have an easier transition.

Overall, I feel like my hand and finger position was correct, again minus the Bm and occasionally the Em.

This song was definitely a challenge for me and I didn’t master it as much as I thought I would be able to, but I feel like I have come a long way since I began learning it.

Hour of code

by alexamclean

On March 24, 2020

In EdTech

I completed an hour of code! It was a fun program where you created snowflakes with Anna and Elsa from frozen. It took you through a series of steps that increasingly got harder. Through this process, you get to see how code is built and how there are short cuts in coding. For example, you start by making a square, then it shows you how you can repeat it with a turn to make it into a snowflake. It also shows how you can manipulate which parts are repeated and in which order.

In the end, it allows you to use all of your skills to make whatever kind of snowflake you want. This allows for a moment of student choice and creativity while displaying what they learned through the process.

I had a great time building my coding knowledge and making snowflakes. I would do this with my students! You can also choose many other themes so that all students feel interested. This is something important to keep in mind when inviting engagement.

Music Final 2/3

by alexamclean

On March 22, 2020

In Music

I have been practicing a bunch this past week trying to learn “Mama Mia” more. Here is what I have been working on and learned:

Timing is something I have been struggling with. I have had a hard time memorizing this song for some reason so I am trying to learn it slow and then speed it up when I am ready. For this reason, I am not to the correct tempo quite yet.
I have really mastered the D, A, C, G chords and am still working on getting the Bm and F#m correct. They are becoming easier for sure, but I’m still having trouble holding the strings down hard enough to create a clear sound.
I have begun trying to play it with music a few times, but as stated above, I am mostly trying to play it slower. I usually get lost in the chorus.
I feel like my hand posture and holding posture has become easier and more natural over time as well.
To help learn the song, Heather and I practiced a few times together which is very helpful. Unfortunately, given that I have returned home, this has since ended.

Overall, I feel on my way to giving a good performance for my final next week.

What I have learned about Social Media

by alexamclean

On March 22, 2020

In Free Inquiry

Over the semester, through my inquiry on “how does social media affect society?”, I learned that social media is essentially a megaphone for humanity’s ways. Social media is not inherently bad, at least it doesn’t have to be. I’ve learned that how social media is being used right now is not a good way. There are parts of it that are great like body positivity, getting news out fast, bringing communities together, and acting as a creative platform. But inside all of the positives, there are some severe negatives; cyberbullying, spreading of fake news, photo editing causing unrealistic body standards, comparison of “the highlight real”, it being a drive for young people to grow up to fast. Overall, I come away feeling like we need to learn how to use social media. We as a human race never learned how to. By becoming more educated on how to use social media as a positive platform that can create real change, it will once again return to a place of peace and harmony.

A different avenue that I looked into was the addictive side of social media. There is no denying that it is extremely addictive, and we have grown to not see a problem in that. Now, I don’t think that cutting it out of our lives is probable, but maybe becoming more aware of how much we use it could be a place to start. I think this is especially true for young people. Limiting how much time you have the world showing you what you should be doing or looking like is greatly beneficial to your mental health.

So my advice to you is, limit your time on social media, edit who you follow and who follows you to create a space that you feel supported and inspired, be cognizant of how you comment and interact with social media to make sure it is kind, and finally, remember that social media is a highlight real and that you are never getting a person’s real life. By doing all of these things, you can begin to cultivate a more positive and healthy social media experience. And there is nothing wrong with that.

Some last tips: What Cameras should you use

by alexamclean

On March 22, 2020

In EdTech Inquiry

1.Instax Mini by FujiFilm: This is a polaroid camera that is all in one. It offers students instant feedback with printed film to immediately show them what they captured. It also has the feeling of a film camera, meaning that your film is precious and you have to set up the shot before you start shooting. It has some basic aperture settings. This allows for an easy entrance point for learning this concept in photography. The drawback of this camera is that it is expensive and the film itself is expensive. This might be better to use it as a special education camera. Price:$40.00

2. Our Life Kids waterproof camera: Made out of eco-friendly materials, this camera is durable and small, perfect for young children. It also supports video, audio, and photography. It captures high-resolution photos and videos using a 32GB Micro-SD card for storage. It has a rechargeable battery as well. Price: $38.99

3.Powpro Mini kids camera: This is a miniature camera that packs a punch. It can take up to 4000 pictures. Due to its small size it does require small motor skills. Price: $41.00

4.VTech Kidizoom duo camera: It is designed for easy use for kids. It has large rubber edges to be gripped easier and it has few buttons that are large and clearly marked. The camera quality is low, but this is a good place to start with young children. It also has binocular viewfinders which can be easier for young children. It also has 5 games that utilize photography built into the camera. It has a front and rear camera. Photo Effects can also be added in later. Price:$48.29

Our ideas:

Disposable cameras $24/ twin pack
Point and shoot $150
Phones $1000 or free depending on how you look at it

Zoom and Twine

by alexamclean

On March 17, 2020

In EdTech

Zoom is an experience for sure! Overall I think it was easy to use. With the link given by our prof, we all signed in easily onto the group video chat.

The different chat features were good so that you can personalize how you wish to communicate as a class. Talking or using the chat feature allows for a silent or interactive experience that is a great option to personalize it to your class. Also, being able to mute your mic or not helps with the noise reduction of the class.

The screen share feature is amazing to show lecture slides and student presentations, as shown in today’s class.

Overall, the app is extremely useful for an online class and I can see myself using it in the future if I ever ended up in a situation like we are currently in.

————————————————————————————————–

Twine is a fun and interactive way to create a “choose your own adventure” story. It was a bit hard to figure out at first, but after the first few minutes of growing pains, it was quite easy and fun. This is a cool alternative to written stories on paper or a traditional document. With the use of technology and the visual aspect of building the story, students may be more engaged and motivated to create an intricate story.