My reflections of week 3
In this entry I look back at the learning process I went through in week three and the challenges I had. The week was very engaging with interesting tasks. I was able to try out different tools for my learning design.
What are the benefits of visual representations?
Representations are a window to the learning design. They allow the designer to analyse each aspect of the design process. I found that the visual representations helped me to decide on the content and a suitable pedagogical approach to deliver that content. I was also challenged to think about the resources that will not only enhance my design but provide useful learning pathway.
Did they help you think more creatively?
The representations were an excellent way of enhancing creativity. As I was moving cards around, producing the course maps and analyzing the activity profile, I debated a number of issues from pedagogy to implementation of the design.
What representation did you find most useful?
All the representations were useful each at different levels of planning. However, I was drawn more to the “course map at a glance” and the pedagogy profiler. The course map helped me think about what I was asking the students to do and how the environment provided needed support for students to carry out activities. With the pedagogy profile I could see the balance between activities and time allotted to the activities. By so doing I am able to balance the students’ workloads.
Do you think it would be useful to share these views with students?
Students are the main stakeholders in teaching and learning. Sharing some of the views with them would help them understand why they are asked to do certain things.
My plan for week 4
In week 4 I intend to:
· Revise my design
· Learn more from the designs of colleagues
· Find out about pedagogy patterns.
Jane
- What are the benefits of these visual representations? They have enabled me to develop a clearer view of the program being developed to share with my Line Manager for feedback and confirmation.
- Did they help you to think more creatively? Yes, I continue to think in different ways about this program and have found the tools very useful in supporting and guiding this thinking.
- What representations did you find more useful? I completed the "Course Features Cards" and "Course Map". For this program I have not used the Activity Profile as it is not relevant for this project, however I can identify other projects where this would be relevant
- Do you think it would be useful to share these views with students? I do, particularly when evaluating a program I think it would be very useful to share this information and gather feedback about whether your design has achieved what you set out to achieve from a student's perspective ... particularly for some projects. I think that I could expect there to be some mis-match between my intentions and students experiences, but I do think for some programs this would provide excellent feedback to support improvements to program delivery.