Kerianne Niswonger
Competency 4:
Think Critically and Reflectively
EDCI/660A: Primary Learning Design
and Technology Seminar
Final Reflective Essay
Sub-Competency 4 (4SC1): Develops a personal vision of inclusive educational practice
I demonstrated a developed personal vision of inclusive educational practice. Beginning the program, I wrote a final reflection that synthesized what I had learned throughout the Primary Learning Design and Technology Seminar course. The Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL) and the library guides resources in the course were particularly helpful, and I continued to use them in my remaining courses. I learned for my learning to utilize the calendar for planning time to work on assignments. I also learned the importance of my Purdue email and to check my student email often. Looking back on my program, I see the Primary Learning Design and Technology Seminar course was valuable, creating a solid foundation.
EDCI/513: Primary Foundations of
Learning Design and Technology
Initial/Revised Tech Definitions
Sub-Competency 4 (4SC2): Describes the relationship between Educational Technology and the broader field of Education
I have demonstrated with my Learning Design and Technology definition that I can describe the relationship between Educational Technology and the broader field of Education. Early in my program I wrote my Learning Design and Technology definition. I completed my definition in two parts, beginning with writing part one, the first week of the course, and part two the last week of the course. I can see the amount of learning I accomplished during the course as my second definition improved. At the end of my program, I can see where my Learning Design and Technology definition can once again improve. After I complete the program, I will continue learning and improving my Learning Design and Technology definition.
EDCI/531: Primary Foundations of
Learning Design and Technology
Increasing Interaction in
K-12 online Learning
Sub-Competency 4 (4SC3): Critically evaluates theory and practice
I have demonstrated I have developed the ability to critically evaluate both theory and practice.
I researched and critically analyzed numerous theories/frameworks that have been developed, as well as numerous studies conducted on the impact of interaction for K-12 online students. Several of the theories and frameworks seemed to overlap information, echoing student-engagement and collaboration for creating meaningful learning experiences. After I researched and critically analyzed numerous theories/frameworks I came to the conclusion that
future research needs to be conducted for the K-12 online learning environments. The research should be conducted by utilizing data gathered from multiple courses and instructors. Hawkins et al. (2013) indicated that “Due to the wide variation in virtual school types, similar studies with other virtual schools may yield different, and potentially more positive, results for both grade awarded and completion” (p. 79). Factors of the future study should include but not be limited to different grade levels, feedback, procedures, and social interaction.
References
Hawkins, A., Graham, C. R., Sudweeks, R. R., & Barbour, M. K. (2013). Academic
performance, course completion rates, and student perception of the quality and frequency
of interaction in a virtual high school. Distance Education, 34(1), 64-83.