Reflection on the Assignment
For the very first assignment in CEP811 (MSU MAET program), we were asked to remix digital content on the theme of a current education buzzword. The task, realistically, is quite simple, but the process of completing it (and doing so well) is not quite so straightforward.
Using webmaker’s popcorn maker, I attempted to collect images, videos, and audio from various creative commons licensed sources in an effort to (with a little tweaking and repurposing) demonstrate certain dynamics of the concept blended learning.
Before describing my experiences making this product, I should first explain my reasoning for selecting that topic. Blended learning is indeed one of the hottest buzzwords in education right now, so it is certainly not uncommon to have picked it. My own experiences, though, lead me much deeper into the topic than simply surface interest. I have been working to near exhaustion of both creative and physical energies this year in my attempts to both establish a deep personal understanding of blended learning conceptually and practically as well as instigate implementation of new and progressive endeavors and strategies in my own school (in my classes as well as others). This has been a trying experience, but through it, I have gained a great appreciation for the benefits of a blended education environment and feel very strongly about its virtues.
Having now said that, I did not use this project to dig deeply into the concept, but rather used it try to simplify and overly-complicated idea. Blended learning is really, at its core, nothing radical or new. Most teachers who are vaguely familiar are also somewhat afraid because they have been told that blended learning involves extensive changes in methods and roles in the classroom. Most administrators are frustrated because of the costs of repurposing space, rescheduling the day, and implementing a greater degree of technological resources. Truly, blended learning does not require vast overarching changes at its outset. Perhaps the end destination seems alien to many now, but the immediate first steps can be simple and effective.
That said, this video is designed to be crisp and simple while dynamic enough to communicate an engaging though clear message. Click the link below to view the creation, and feel free to access content sources at the bottom of the page.
Resources (in order of appearance)
– KOAN Sound (2014). Dynasty. On Dynasty EP [Online]. OWSLA. http://soundcloud.com/koan-sound/dynasty-ep-preview
– Ter Haar, Kate. “Happy Digital Learning Day.” Image. February 1, 2012. http://www.flickr.com/photos/katerha/6801771347/
– Roberts, Rachel. “German Class.” Image. October 6, 2001. http://www.flickr.com/photos/bardwired/6216115190/
– Dombrowski, Quinn. “Collaboration.” Image. July 2, 2004. http://www.flickr.com/photos/quinnanya/111201180/
– Larson, Ellen. “Ellen Larson on Blended Learning.” Video. February 19, 2013. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6o6b-h9GaU&feature=youtube_gdata
– Kravitz, Dvora. “RSP Blended Learning.” Video. March 21, 2013. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99bokjStB-4&feature=youtube_gdata
– CollegeDegrees360. “Learning.” Image. July 12, 2012. http://www.flickr.com/photos/83633410@N07/7658284016/
– Wikipedia Commons. “Down Arrow Right.” Image. http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/41/Down_arrow_right.svg
– MediaCast. “Distancelearning3.” Image. http://www.mediacastblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/distancelearning3.jpg
Defending Learning 