Category: Assignment 1 – Blog Posts

What is the difference between formative and summative assessments? I have included an info-graph below to show the similarities and differences between the two forms of assessments.

According to Carnegie Mellon University (n.d.), formative assessment works with students to monitor their abilities and challenges and looks to provide ongoing feedback on these areas. In contrast, summative assessment is used to evaluate students abilities in comparison to a set standard expected of them by the end of a chapter or unit (Carnegie Melon University, n.d.). I think in order to create a successful learning environment its important to include both formative and summative forms of assessment. For instance, if students are asked to write a final paper for their class then teachers should also include a paper proposal that isn’t for marks or if it is, then for few marks. Allowing students the ability to submit a paper proposal allows teachers to catch areas where students are struggling and provide feedback so that they can do better on the final paper. Moving away from traditional teaching styles and learning can allow for the incorporation of techniques such as formative assessment. With every child’s development at different stages, formative assessment is an effective way for teachers to be able to understand areas that each of their students are excelling or struggling in. Having knowledge in this areas will allow for the growth of all students abilities and developments. I have included a video on the importance of formative assessment below!

References:

Carnegie Mellon University (n.d.). Formative vs summative assessment . Formative vs Summative Assessment – Eberly Center – Carnegie Mellon University. Retrieved November 26, 2021, from https://www.cmu.edu/teaching/assessment/basics/formative-summative.html.

Every Child Shines: Using Formative Assessment. (2021). YouTube. Retrieved November 26, 2021, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Q3DFs4hrpU&t=47s

Augmented reality is an enhanced version of a real-world environment in which the learning environment is made interactive through technology. For instance, it uses computer generated tools to enhance how we see the world. I have inserted a quick 60 second crash course video on augmented reality because I think it gives some relevant examples that help explain this topic.

So now that we know what augmented reality is, how does this benefit learning? After looking at the principles of learning developed by educational psychologists I noticed that augmented reality being implemented in teaching can greatly enhance a student’s engagement with material (Principles of Learning, n.d). For instance, the principle of intensity states that students are more likely to retain information when the lesson is an exciting learning experience (Principles of Learning, n.d.). Augmented reality offers a new and therefore, exciting way of teaching that caters to children’s curiosity. In other words, augmented reality creates new learning possibilities that interest children because they challenge the conventional learning process that restricts one’s creativity. Additionally, the learning principle of effect argues that students develop motivation based on their emotional reaction to the learning experience (Principles of Learning, n.d). Thus, if the learning activity looks fun and exciting a student is more likely to want to engage in the lesson. Therefore, because augmented reality offers students the ability to access subject matter that they would not traditionally be able to explore, it creates a lot of new excitement among children. I have included a youtube video below that shows how students are engaging with augmented reality lessons in a classroom environment

References:

Principles of learning. Psychology Wiki. (n.d.). Retrieved November 11, 2021, from https://psychology.fandom.com/wiki/Principles_of_learning.

What is Augmented Reality in 60 Seconds. (2021). YouTube. Retrieved November 26, 2021, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPNUmcEOYW0&t=1s.

Using 3D Augmented Reality to Increase Student Engagement. (2021). YouTube. Retrieved November 26, 2021, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygTeTdzcrbk

Active learning is a learner-center approach in which students are engaging in course material through means such as discussion posts, debates, breaking up into small groups to talk about ideas, and learning based games. Active learning acts in contrast to the traditional view of learning in which teachers lecture to students as this listen and take notes. Two methods of active learning that have become popular means of teaching are game-based learning and gamification.  Game-based learning is an educational method that uses games to instruct students about a specific topic or to reach a particular learning outcome. An example of game-based learning would jeopardy. Below I have included a video on how game-based learning can foster the success of student engagement in course material.

In my grade 11 chemistry class, my teacher would do a jeopardy review session of before each test. The game allowed us to collaborate and work with classmates through problem solving questions. Additionally, playing games like jeopardy increases learner engagement, while at the same time improving critical thinking skills. On the other hand, gamification uses aspects of game like elements but in a non-game context. For instance, an example of gamification would be a class point system. This class wide motivation system allows students to work together and allows them to earn points, which later leads to a class prize, for their good behaviour. Gamification motivates students to actively engage in the material and creates an opportunity for positive reinforcement, which significantly improves the likelihood of the positive behaviour to occur again.

References:

Moodley, M., Mandy Moodley / About Author More posts by Mandy Moodley, & Moodley, M. posts by M. (2020, June 1). Gamification & Game-Based Learning. Game2Change. Retrieved November 3, 2021, from http://www.game2change.co.za/gamification-game-based-learning/.

Using game-based learning in the classroom to … – youtube. (n.d.). Retrieved November 3, 2021, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WlP8NNo4CU.

For this blog Post I decided to look at a multimedia tool that my teachers have I used throughout my education and evaluate its effectiveness through the SECTIONS model. The multimedia tool I decided to look at was PowerPoint presentations in my University courses, and I used the video I have inserted below to help me analyze the multimedia.

First, S(tudents) looks at the student demographics and access. I think power point presentations meet the S requirement, because if they are both shown in lecture and posted to bright spaces then students are able to access them at their convenience.

E(ase of use), PowerPoint presentations are very easy to put together, with most sites offering premade templates, all teachers really have to do is fill in the information. For the students, the technology is very easy to use and follow as it is laid out in sections that keep the content organized.

C(osts) PowerPoints are both free of use for the teacher and the students which makes it a great multimedia choose for teaching.

I(nteraction) PowerPoint lectures don’t directly provide the opportunity for learners to interact with the learning material, however, teachers could integrate interactive learning by including a slide with discussion questions that encourage students to get into groups and answer these ideas.

O(rganizational Issues) PowerPoint is easy to use and share with students and is supported by any electronic device, including phones

N(etworking) PowerPoints do not provide an opportunity to engage with other learners or instructors, which is one of its greatest downfalls as a multimedia source

S(ecurity and Privacy) It is a safe instructional method as you don’t need to sign up or disclose any personal information.

Overall, after using the SECTIONS model, one can see that PowerPoints do not meet all the criteria, however, by assessing PowerPoint with this model one can evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the multimedia in order to determine if it will be effective for the learning objectives.

References:

Sections model – youtube. (n.d.). Retrieved November 3, 2021, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0zgx9eonXGI.

One of my favourite ways to learn and recall information is by watching screen casting videos. For instance, in high school I was someone who struggled with mathematics. I found that my teaching lecturing on material and quickly doing examples on an overhead projector did not give me the opportunity to be able to comprehend the material. The website Khan academy helped me so much throughout my high school math classes as it allowed me to be able to visualize the material at my own pace. The ability to watch a step-by-step process that I could pause and re watch created an engaging source of learning, that sometimes a classroom wasn’t able to offer.

In this post I have included an example of a Khan academy video to show how screen casting works, notice how in the video he uses the signaling principle. Moreover, he highlights and colour coats important concepts, which according to this principle creates more efficient and better learning opportunities.

I also included an info-graph that provides some statistics on how children learn and the benefits they receive when they learn through more than one sense of learning

References:

Khan Academy (2015). Introduction to increasing, decreasing, positive, or

negative intervals.

(2021). Benefits of Multi-sensory Learning. Retrieved from https://learningabledkids.com/multi_sensory_training/page05-multisensory_work_q.htm

Info-graphs are used to present a message through a visually appealing and easy to understand design. They offer a quick and easy way to convey important information to a wide audience, thus creating a greater awareness of the subject matter. The video by Rich McCue, mentioned how info-graphs allow students to use the self-explanation principle. He argues that info-graphs, offer students the ability to sift through information in order to understand what is considered to be important for the reader and what can be deemed unnecessary or extra information. For instance, when I study for an exam I always make a one-page sheet that is a condensed version of all the important terms and information that I need to know. The paper offers a visual and concise way to organize and highlight the most important information that I need to know.

Above I have attached a picture of the info-graph I created for the annual Run for the Cure fundraiser that reflects some important tips to creating a successful info-graph. For instance, I choose colours that correlate with the topic, so in this case pink represents breast cancer awareness and therefore, wouldn’t distract the reader from the information being presented. Additionally, I picked a very simple and eligible font so that it is easy for readers to understand the information I am trying to convey. Furthermore, a choice simple and minimalistic sentences to ensure I was able to capture a large audience of different literacy abilities. Last, by breaking up my content into sections, I was able to create an organized and effective way of getting my message across.  

References:

McCue, R. (2021). Introduction to Infographics with Canva & Related Multimedia Learning Principles. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1k3deWbw2c&t=1s

Hands on learning is a form of education is which students learn through examples shown to them, instead of simply listening to a teacher lecture from the front of the class. For example, including power point presentations into a lecture can create a more hands on learning environment for students. Presentations offer opportunities to input videos or interactive games such as KAHOOT, which are more likely to grab and hold a students attention. I can relate to the effectiveness of power points because I find in classes that don’t use them I struggle to keep connected to course material being taught. For instance, in one of my lecture classes last year, my professor did not use power points, and i found myself being confused on when new ideas were starting. Additionally, I felt a lack of connection to the material because I couldn’t visualize the correlation and interrelation between ideas that he was proposing. Overall, I think that powerpoint presentations are an effective tool for connecting students to material, thus creating higher retention of the material.

Below I have included a quick video on what KAHOOT is to explain how it can be used to stimulate active and engaging learning.

I am also going to include a picture of one of my old presentation slides from high school that I will critique.

• First there is too much text in this slide. The learner is going to feel overwhelmed by the amount of information on the slide and with the time spent rushing to get it all down they will miss the important notes the teacher will be vocalizing.
• Second, there is no pictures that correlate to ideas, or help connect concepts together, which if added could help facilitate engagement with the information
• Last, the slide is boring with no colours or videos to offer interest in the material

References:

(2018). Kahoot. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XzfWHdDS9Q