Week 2 Reflection

When I think of a designer, my mind pictures someone in the arts like a fashion or interior designer; a person who creates something.  I would not typically use that as a term to describe me.  Though after class, I’ve learned that I am always designing…..lessons.  I now recall learning certain elements critical to lesson design in my education classes.  I know a good lesson needs a clear purpose and that students need basic skills going into it.  I know that checking for understanding is important as well as allowing time for students practice.   Finally a review or wrap up ends the lesson.  The more of those components I incorporate while designing allows a greater opportunity for student learning.  I have poorly designed a density demonstration without a clear purpose before.  My students know that Coke sinks and Diet Coke floats, but had no idea why it was important.  I have done that demonstration differently every year and still have not come up with results I'm satisfied with.  Hopefully I can use the basic design knowledge I'll learn in this class to finally change that lesson into something that works.

Last class we began discussing the design principles and process for designing learning opportunities for students that integrate technologies into the learning process.  I’m looking forward to continue this topic next week.

The Design Principle is SSCC

·         Searching – (a skill that needs to be taught)

·         Sort – (finding information that is relevant and valid)

·         Create

·         Communicate

The Design Process is ACTS

·         Authentic Problem – (can be ‘real-like’)

·         Clear Outcome – (what’s the goal and why are we doing it?)

·         Thinking Skills – (needed before the lesson)

·         Software Skills – (need to teach how to use correctly)