Assignment Cover Page
Introduction
MDDE 610: Survey of Current Educational Technology Applications gives hands-on experience and allows students to make a critical evaluation of a number of the computer-based technologies that are currently used in distance education.
Assignment 2: Self-Directed Learning Through Technology required me to identify something that I have always wanted to learn to do. This could have been a computer program, playing a musical instrument, learning to make buttercream icing, etc. I was supposed to use a technology-based resource (i.e. a Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI) program, web-based instruction, or a mobile app) to teach myself how to do this. To accomplish this assignment I needed to demonstrate my competency with whatever I have chosen to learn by preparing a blog post, website, or Mahara ePortfolio collection that demonstrates both what I learned and the way I used the technology-based learning resources.
This assignment had two phases, first I should have learned a new technology and second reflect on my learning journey in a post. In the reflective post, I needed to demonstrate why I chose the specific learning resource in the first place, what I hoped to learn, what did I achieve, and how I achieved what I did. I was supposed to include a critical reflection on the use of CAI or mobile apps for learning in general and provide a final recommendation to others about the application that I used.
Image: How to Start Blogger
Reflecting on My Learning Journey
During my second year in my M.Ed. program of studies at Athabasca University, I got a chance to take a course on the Survey of Current Educational Technology Applications. The purpose I decided to get my master’s degree in instructional design was to learn the application of technology in teaching and learning so I could help my clients and students. I always wanted to use more than PowerPoint slides in my teaching classes. I always wanted to add animation to my presentations and make YouTube videos. Therefore, I chose Screencast-O-Matic and I published my reflection on my learning journey in the Blog post (what).
In the blog post, I reflected on my learning journey from choosing the technology tool to the publishing stage. My blog post consisted of the following sections.
What I wanted to learn and Why
I began searching different technology-based topics, watched various videos, examined some of those technologies, and read articles about each tool. After examining a few tools finally, I decided to learn video-creating technology which I felt was my priority to learn as an instructor to help me to create video tutorials for my clients or students. As a facilitator, I could potentially use the videos and play them for my audience clients instead of repeating the same subject a few times. This could help me to use my working hours more efficiently and help more clients. I searched the market and found that there were various video casting tools available, I examined some and read the pros and cons of each. I also consulted with the course professor and came up with learning Screencast-O-Matic as a suitable option (why).
How Did I Learn It
I learned it through Screencast-O-Matic video guide tutorials and YouTube videos. To learn this technology, I chose to watch videos because it was the best way of learning software tools, and I could follow along with the instructor step by step to practice my learning. Video tutorials are very effective for visual, auditory, and reading (text captions) learners. I started with the free version then subscribed to Premier to have more editing features (how).
This was also the first time I used a blog post, and I used Blogger.com to share and publish my self-reflection on my learning experience (how). (1.5, 1.12, 3.3).
My Aha Moment
This assignment provided lots of learning opportunities for me and I learned three major pieces such as video casting, podcasting in a blog post, and reflective practice. The first two were dealing with technology and I learned it while doing the assignment. However reflective practice was the aha moment for me and I developed my critical, constructive, and creative thinking skills. Because of completing this assignment, I learned to express my feelings on what I have learned, why I learned it, how I learned it, and I provided my recommendations to others. Doing the first phase of the assignment and creating the video, I had the challenge of using a voice-over for my video. Despite trying different narration tools, none seemed suitable for my video. As a result, through the reflective practice and because of putting a conscious effort to think about myself, I got the courage to use my voice for video casting. (why). (1.10).
My Takeaway
Doing the first phase of this assignment I learned how to screencast and edit my video. Through navigating, researching and practicing the software (how) I learned how to record, preview, and edit my video while shooting video and recapturing from the place I paused. I developed my skills to change the size of my recording frame, add an auto caption or customized caption, also add a variety of music to the video. I learned to use different options for saving the file to my computer, Screencast-O-Matic, or YouTube channel right from the software. I also learned to publish through other social media channels like Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and so on. I can even edit the published video again by using the same computer on which the video was recorded (what).
In the second phase of the assignment, I experienced reflecting on my learning. This process helped me to become active, alert critical learner. I learned to communicate and validate the importance of learning new technology. I developed my critical thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving skills. Doing this phase frequently I was thinking of reflecting on negative issues and the challenges I faced in learning the new technology. Then I tried to develop my reflective skill by considering why I did something a certain way that took me to where I am now. I embrace doing reflective writing because I experienced being vulnerable which helped me to become more resilient and brave about who I am and talking about my feelings and sharing concerns which eventually encouraged me to create more videos of my own (why).
Throughout my learning journey, I examined all the strengths and weaknesses of the technology as Screencast-O-Matic, and web-based tool as Blog posts. I created a video of my learning process to explore video casting and showcase what I learned with the audience. I published the video on YouTube.
The blog post contained my reflection on my learning journey and I concluded this assignment by providing some recommendations for other technology users. I described the pros and cons of the casting tool. Finally, I reflected on technical issues and problem-solving steps I took to achieve my learning journey (how). (2.5, 5.10, 3.5).
The list of Artifact 3 Competencies
Competency Application
MDDE 610 empowered me to create tutorial videos and apply technology in creating learning products. I got this course in the Spring of 2020 which concurred with the emergence of the Covid pandemic. Service Canada ordered the recipients of the Canada Emergency Response Benefit to register with WorkBC services to get an alternative job. In my centre, the front-line staff faced an unanticipated number of new clients who needed guidance for registration. Completing this course, I learned the techniques to make tutorial videos demonstrating step-by-step the registration process. The videos made a huge difference in the workload of the staff.
I still use my video casting competencies to make tutorial videos for my college students and I can edit, zoom, overlay, highlight and publish the videos on different web pages including my course learning management system. I apply the techniques I attained through this assignment to make some videos on TikTok as a hobby (how). (1.13).