So this is a reflection journal- now what?
For anyone unfamiliar with the process, or happened to find this down the deep, rabbit-hole we call the internet, a reflection journal is a place to record thoughts, feelings, and processes during an experience, especially a new one. I will also use it as a sort of idea board for resources, links, videos, sketches and other things that I will either use or that inspire me in some way. This particular reflection journal is an assignment for IDE 737: Advanced Instructional Design.
For this class assignment, we will be storyboarding a piece of instruction. What instruction? Well, that’s up to me. My content area of interest is STEM education, particularly the technology/ coding part. I would also like to explore online videos, as that is something I have yet to explore heavily this year.
<brainstorm sequence>
Last semester, I taught an extra-curricular app development class for kids aged 8-14 with a small, local company. One performance problem we ran into every class rotation was students missing classes. Because every class teaches important material, students would get behind. My boss, Pam has suggested that lessons be available online, in video form for students to review when they miss class.
</brainstorm sequence>
Are you bored yet, internet generation? Here’s a video just in case:
I show you this video because crash course is an inspiration to me. I like their engaging animations and chunked content; they don’t try to teach you everything there is to know about in one setting.
Next Steps:
- Attending the first virtual session. I hope to bounce this idea off of other classmates, and see what ideas they are proposing for the project.
- Explore the feasibility of the coding tutorials, in relation to project requirements.
- Research exist online course tutorials. Are there already tutorials out there that we can use? Are they aimed at the right audience? How do they teach their material? What do I like/ dislike about them?
- Contact my boss, Pam, to get more specific information about her needs in solving this gap (students missing important information when they miss class).
Concerns:
My concern going forward is how well my idea fits into the project requirements and Pam’s requirements. I hope the project will both satisfy the needs of the class, as well as solve Pam’s gap. If not, I would like to continue with the project after the class is over in order to benefit Pam and her organization.
I will also be working a job this summer, requiring at least 43 hours a week. The unbalanced workload of this class concerns me, as I do not know what to expect each week. I hope this will be assuaged as I continue to get ahead on assignments and attend the first class session.
So, let me know what you think: What are your experiences with online tutorials? Any advice for balancing a heavy work schedule with school?
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