NARRATIVE

 

For competency four, think critically and reflectively, I chose my initial and final reflective essays from EDCI 660A, Learning Design and Technology Seminar-Part 1, and my initial and revised education technology definitions from EDCI 513, Foundations of Learning Design and Technology.    In my 660A reflective essay I demonstrated that I have developed a personal vision of inclusive educational practice that connects to my career goals of working with youth and adults.  Specifically, I came to bettter understand the importance of instructional design, increasing effectiveness in approach, the role culture can play, meeting the needs of clients, collaboration, and specilizing design to meet the needs of individuals.  I have gained several skills and have been able to grow professionally as well as personally throughout. 

 

EDCI 513, gave me the opportunity to describe the relationship between Educational Technology and the broader field of education. This course gave me a better understanding of what Educational Technology encompasses and how I can utilize it in my current position.  It also opened my eyes to what I can do in the future for the blended audience that I serve in my postion.  Working with youth and adults on agriculture programming can be challenging, but I like the challenge and diversity.  I do not have a traditional Education background, so this course was an excellent introduction to Educational Technology. The use of online discussions, readings and interacting with other classmates allowed me broaden my horizons in the field.  The course also made me more aware of opportunities that might be in my future. 

 

My Final Paper from EDCI 513 is written from a theoretical perspective based on Bloom’s Taxonomy and incorporating critical 21st Century Workforce Skills into developing a flipped classroom.  Based on Bloom’s work, students are building learning skills through cognitive exercises, application of knowledge, analysis and synthesis of theory and ideas, and collaboration and teamwork all while working in the classroom where feedback, evaluation, peer support, and instructor input is available.  The content learning happens outside of the classroom on the students own time.  This concept is very relevant to a generation that spends countless hours engaged in electronic media.  I personally really enjoyed learning about flipped classrooms and feel that in this world of technology and electronic media, flipped classrooms make learning fun, available, personal, and much more engaging to 21st century learners.  In my own professional work, I plan to incorporate the flipped classroom into some of the lessons and programs that I teach.  I have grown and gained new skills and knowledge in all of the program courses.  I view myself as a lifelong learner, and I plan to continue learning throughout my professional career and throughout my life.  This program has given me a venue and tools to continue building and practicing skills.  I realize just how critical to my own success that being creative, progressive, flexible, and receptive to feedback and criticism is towards personal growth.  Instructional designers can always make the best better.