Category: edci337-feedback

Hi Emily,

I enjoyed reading your blog post about the importance of interactive and multimedia learning. I totally agree with your statement that limiting student interactions will prohibit meaningful connections with the learning. I see the value in integrating technology, but I also believe the learner-centred approach is definitely more effective than the technology-centred approach.

The video you shared about multimedia learning was very interesting and informative. It gave a clear explanation of the differences between sensory, working, and long-term memory. This was helpful to me because I was having trouble differentiating between the three types of memory prior to watching the video. The video’s suggestions on how to format a digital presentation slide were also very useful. It is common for people to use an excessive amount of words, pictures, colours, etc. to try and get a point across, but this can actually hinder the students’ understanding of the material.

The activity your teacher used seems like a great way to incorporate multimedia learning. By involving her students (i.e. having you grow your own plants), she created a far more memorable learning experience. I love activities that allow students to apply their learning in a real-life context because they contribute to the development of important skills. Had your teacher only used a worksheet for this activity, you likely would not remember it today. This is why making a lesson interactive adds depth and a lasting impact on students.

References:

https://emilybelchos.wordpress.com/category/edci337-blog/

Hi Shaylin,

I enjoyed reading your thoughts on the importance of interactive and multimedia learning. I’m looking forward to working with you throughout this course! I noticed we both made positive connections with the reading The Hidden Importance of Teaching with Stories by AJ Juliani. I would have loved to participate in the class-wide Buzz session- it sounds like a wonderful activity to engage students without the need for technology! I noticed at the end of your post you had written that you would like to familiarize yourself with other ways students can learn better with the aid of technology. My recommendations are the websites Flipgrid, Explain Everything, and EDpuzzle. These three websites were used by my mentor teacher during my final practicum, and I noticed they were all great tools for allowing students to demonstrate their learning in unique ways that go beyond simple pencil and paper assignments. I’m also curious about what specific strategies you like to use that avoid technology-centred approaches, and instead focus on the learner? I agree with the fact that learner-centred approaches are far more valuable for students.

References:

https://shaylinwarren.wordpress.com/category/edci337-blog/

Hi Julia,

I enjoyed reading your thoughts on the importance of interactive and multimedia learning. I’m looking forward to working with you throughout this course! Thank you for sharing your experience with overusing gifs, and how to use them more effectively. I, too, have a tendency to overuse gifs, images, animations, bright colours, etc. when creating digital presentations in an attempt to make them more engaging. However, it’s very true that an overabundance can be overwhelming and distracting for many students, thus taking away from their learning experience. (By the way- you totally nailed it with the “How I Met Your Mother” gif you included 😉)

Also, the video gave a very clear and straightforward explanation about UDL. I found it interesting how they compared a universally designed building to the universal design for learning. I never thought about it this way, but it is true that if you design a building for those in the margins (i.e. a ramp instead of stairs), then it will be accessible for everyone. Similarly, lessons that are designed to accommodate students with special needs, ensures that all students will have opportunities for success.

References:

https://juliafalzon.home.blog/category/multimedia/edci-337-blog/