ED308: ADDIE DESIGN - ENGAGEMENT

This week, our assignment was to continue learning about the design phase of the ADDIE process while focusing on engaging the learner. We also completed a rough draft of our course outline.  

Item of Interest
I found the varying kinds of relevance (past, current, and future) interesting. I was also surprised to learn that past relevance was least motivating for students. I think this is in part because as an Elementary Education major we are taught how vital it is to activate prior knowledge. Of course, this is still important to help students gain a better understanding, but not the most effective way to make sure a lesson is relevant.

Problem or Concern
My most current concern is ensuring my course is engaging and relevant. I can relate to feeling like a teacher is not providing any rationale for what we are doing and assuming it is just busy work. This module made a great point that most of what students categorize as busy work actually is intended to serve a purpose. I hope I can be clear on what my course requires and why. I know that if I fail to be clear in my reasoning, it will most likely come across as busy work. 

ED308: ADDIE: DESIGN (Building Community and Collaboration)

This week, our assignment was to continue learning about the design phase of the ADDIE process. Particularly we focused on building community and collaboration.

Item of Interest
I found a lot of great information in our reading about collaboration. I was surprised to learn that discussions are not always the best option (mainly because they are utilized so much). I found the short lecture on discussion board posts particularly interesting this week. I feel I am learning a lot through this process. Dr. Gale's lecture gave me additional insight into a component of online courses I felt I was already very familiar with. 

Problem or Concern
I don't really feel that I have a concern at this point. I am busy finalizing my outline and trying to ensure I haven't missed anything. I am doing a course on The Leader in Me program and I am targeting my lesson for 4th-5th grade. If I had to pick a concern it would be making it age appropriate and ensuring it won't be to silly for this age or to boring. I plan to talk with the 5th grade teachers at the school I am student teaching at this week and get their input. 

ED308: ADDIE Step 2: DESIGN (Assessments)

This week, our assignment was to learn about the design phase of the ADDIE process. Particularly designing the assessments. I learned that while designing the assessments, I must remember to consider the goals, the learners, the context, and the assessment itself. 

Item of Interest
I found it interesting the variety of assessments that can be and should be included as well as the value of self-assessments. I think since I am doing a lesson for elementary school students, this is something I will be sure and do often. 

Problem or Concern
I am less concerned about this project than I was last week. I am beginning to get a better picture of what I want the outcome to be and I'm feeling good about the process. My only concern at this point is my ability to make the course usable in the future. I know I can do what is asked for this ED308 course assignments, but I really want to make a course that can be used and that I will be proud to share in the end.