Category: Weekly Reflections

What:

This week we learned about the essentials of video editing. One key takeaway was that as UVic students we can borrow video equipment for our video making needs. This is a great resource and will assist in us becoming familiar with making videos using the proper equipment. We also learned about important techniques and tricks for making videos. Such as using a stabilizer/tripod for a steady shot, using an external microphone for clearer sound and always remember to be mindful of background noise, especially wind. We also learned that is important to use a variety of different shotes to make the video more engaging. We then got to practice editing videos on iMovie. We practiced techniques like scrubbing, cutting, adding audio, green screen techniques, and more. 

So What:

As a future teacher, I understand the importance of incorporating videos in my teaching to enhance students’ engagement and interest. Videos can be used in many ways in the classroom, like for storytelling, summarizing learning, and more. Learning these skills for making videos will help me to create videos for my future students that are interesting and accessible. Having videos incorporated in my teaching also supports different learning styles and UDL.

Now What:

I plan to continue practicing my video skills so I can become better and more comfortable with making videos. This week I have included screenshots of my video edits I made during class on iMovie. 

What:

This week, we learned about the use of images and graphics in education. I found the focus on PowerPoint to be super helpful. Specifically, how PowerPoint can be used to make worksheets for students. Tools such as words with boxes covering them, adding text to videos/images, and how to incorporate 3D models were explained on PowerPoint. Another key take away from class was the multimedia learning hypothesis. This is the idea that we learn more effectively when information is presented with both images/videos and words. Which fits with the cognitive theory of multimedia learning that we have an auditory and visual channel in our brain, but when used together we better process information. We also explored the power of photoshop. 

So What:

As a future teacher, it is important that I understand the importance of having visual learning in my teaching. This class, I was remined of the importance of designing materials for my future students that include a balance of text and visuals. Information that is presented in a boring format (only text) can be overwhelming and unengaging. It is important to combine text with media to not only improve the learning comprehension, but also to make it more engaging for students. I am happy to know I will always have PowerPoint to fall back on to use to support me in my teaching journey. PowerPoint can be used to customize worksheets for students and make them more personal. It can be used to support UDL and make learning more interactive. 

Now What:

I will keep practicing around in PowerPoint to get more comfortable, so that when I am a teacher I know how to use it to make super great interactive learning opportunities for my students.  I will focus on getting better at using interactive elements, stock images/videos, and 3D models. This week I used PowerPoint to make an interactive worksheet on the layers of the Earth. I also made a page I could use on my first day in a classroom that introduces me to my students with pictures. I have included a screenshot of both the worksheet and the “get to know me” page. If you like to see the interactive part of the worksheet I can email you the PowerPoint. 

What:

This week, our guest speaker, Jesse, gave a super engaging and entertaining talk on digital literacy. He discussed the topics of media consumption, data bases, social media, AI, digital identity (personal, social, professional), digital rights, digital safety, and more topics surrounding digital literacy. One thing that really stuck out to me was when he said that in the 21^st century we are not preparing kids to live in the past. This is a contrast argument to when people say technology should not be used in schools. I have never been against technology, and I did see where it would be beneficial in the classroom. But with that said, I did always see the other side of the argument, and thought yeah maybe technology is not the best thing for the class. After Jesse said this though, it sort of shifted my thinking. Especially when he said things change, they always have changed. Using the example of schools used to not have white kids and Black kids in schools together. Our world has changed, technology is a part of it. So, kids should learn the safe, proper, and respectful ways of how to use technology. And they should be doing that at school, supported by there teachers. 

So What:

I think that as a future educator it is crucial to be aware of the power technology has in our world, and that our students will be fully emersed in it. As a future educator, understanding technologies role in the classroom is a skill that will help me to better prepare my 21^st century students for the fast past ever changing world. Being aware of how technology can be used in the classroom will help me to prepare my students for the rest of their lives. I think that sometime soon, there will be more laws and regulations surrounding technology in the schools, and when there is, it will actually make technology easier to use in the classroom. 

Now What: 

Based off what I have learned today, I will be more inclined to learn new ways I can incorporate technology into my future classroom. When I become a teacher, will be sure to educate my students on the world of technology, specifically the importance of privacy, digital identities and their rights and responsibilities on the internet. I hope to be able to create a classroom environment where technology is included in a reasonable, safe and responsible way. I look forward to learning about more ways I can support my future students with technology in the classroom and getting them ready for our fast-paced world. 

This week I have added a hyperlink to my notes from todays class: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ZtXoWeX7pRLengVHu5zV0wtbnKzmHt0k_Q4t6PfFmjQ/edit?tab=t.0

This week in class I was so happy to learn about a bunch of new information surrounding the world of technology, specifically learning about all the free and accessible resources available. I had no idea that were so many resources out there for the public to use without needing permission or to pay a fee. As a student I always found it hard to make sure I am meeting the ethics of using photos from the internet. Now that I know where to go to get free ones, it will make my life so much easier! I spent quite a bit of time on ‘The Greats’ website, and there are so many neat pieces on there, I can’t believe they’re free. I even found some I think would be great to use as a teacher or even have hanging up in my classroom one day. Using and knowing about these resources will save me time as a student when I want to add a picture or music to a project. As a teacher these sites, specifically the OER Commons and Open School BC will be super helpful.  I am excited to explore these sites even more and get more familiar with them, so that they can assist me in my future career even better. To show what I have learned, I have shared a picture from Pexels below.