Category: edci335

Blog Post 4

  1. What kind of interaction would the video require from your students? Does it force them to respond in some way (inherent)?

This video aims to provide students with a solid foundation in personal finance, equipping them with essential knowledge before they venture into the real world where they will be managing their own finances. It emphasizes the importance of being responsible with money and making informed financial decisions. The video covers key topics such as budgeting, insurance, interest, taxes, and credit scores, all of which are crucial for adults to understand and navigate in their financial lives. By presenting these concepts clearly and concisely, the presenter of this video wants to empower students to develop financial literacy and take control of their financial future.

  1. In what way are they likely to respond to the video on their own, e.g., make notes, do an activity, or think about the topic (learner-generated)?

Students are likely to respond positively to the video as it addresses relevant and practical topics related to personal finance, something that is needed to survive in the world on your own. The video’s focus on budgeting, insurance, interest, taxes, and credit scores provides valuable insights that directly relate to their future financial decisions and responsibilities. By presenting the information in a user-friendly format with key points highlighted in big lettering, it caters to different learning styles and ensures important takeaways are easily accessible.

I believe that students will be highly motivated to gain a deeper understanding of the topic due to its tremendous relevance and significance in their lives. I think they would access the extensive list of additional resources in the description to dive deeper into the subject matter and gain a better understanding. This initiative fosters a sense of curiosity and promotes self-directed learning, allowing students to explore the topics that interest them the most.

  1. How will you address any potential barriers for your learners in the use of this video to ensure an inclusive design?

This video effectively addresses numerous barriers that could hinder students from receiving a quality education. The use of YouTube as a platform offers closed captions, making the content accessible to those with hearing impairments or for students who prefer to read along while watching. The video cleverly highlights key points in large lettering, ensuring that even if students are not fully engaged, they can grasp the main takeaways. Moreover, the comprehensive description includes a wealth of additional resources that can aid students in gaining a deeper understanding of the subject matter. Overall, this video demonstrates a thoughtful and inclusive approach to education, making learning more accessible and engaging for a diverse range of learners.

Peer Review – Mindfulness and Well-Being in Children

Components that may be Missing:

I believe that the inclusivity component of this interactive learning resource could be further enhanced by considering a broader range of needs, especially when dealing with 5-8 year old children. While non-verbal students are rightfully acknowledged, it’s crucial to recognize that there are various challenges that young learners may face. For instance, some children may struggle with focusing on learning or exhibit a lack of interest in the material. For those with conditions like ADHD, these challenges can be even more pronounced and demand special attention. To create a truly inclusive environment, we should explore additional strategies and resources that cater to diverse learning styles, attention spans, and motivations. I would love to see more avenues for inclusivity within this interactive learning resource because I believe that learning should be equally accessible to all learners, and it is the teacher’s responsibility to cater to those diverse needs. I think it would be beneficial to identify and implement additional strategies, resources, and accommodations that promote a sense of belonging and enable every learner to thrive.

Summary of The Interactive Learning Resource’s strengths and weaknesses:

I thought your approach to assessment was really smart, this being by incorporating both formative and summative evaluations. I believe this method offers valuable insights into students’ understanding at various stages, allowing the teacher to pinpoint any challenges they might face within specific units or across the entire curriculum. By having a comprehensive view of their progress, the teacher can readily identify areas where students may need additional support or intervention. This proactive approach enables the teacher to provide targeted assistance and individualized help to students who are struggling with a given aspect of the course. I believe this is a very thoughtful and well-rounded assessment strategy and it nicely sets the stage for a supportive learning environment where every student’s needs can be easily addressed.

Your consideration of both module-level and overall assessments i think is really good. However, I the description of your assessment approach lacks specificity and might benefit from further clarity. While the idea of using a thumbs-up to gauge understanding is simple, it may not be the most reliable indicator as students could provide positive feedback without truly comprehending the material. To address this, you could consider implementing a more robust assessment strategy that includes various methods such as quizzes, open-ended questions, or class discussions. These approaches can provide more accurate and measurable insights into students’ comprehension and allow you to identify areas where further support is needed. Additionally, offering opportunities for student feedback and self-assessment I believe would be a good way to enhance the assessment process and provide insights into how well they are learning.

Your webpage’s user-friendly layout is quite appealing and I found that it was easy and enjoyable to navigate. The incorporation of interactive elements added an engaging dimension to the content, making the learning experience more enjoyable. I was also impressed by the diverse range of resources you included, which I believe effectively addressed the essential questions and learning objectives. 

Recommendations:

In general, I find this interactive learning resource to be effective and user-friendly. Its layout and interactive features make it easy to navigate and engage with. I believe it serves as a valuable guide for teachers and parents working with children. However, I do feel that there is room for improvement when it comes to assessing students’ understanding. Implementing more robust and specific measures to gauge comprehension would enhance the overall effectiveness of the resource. Another aspect worth considering for improvement is broadening the scope of inclusivity in your interactive learning resource. Addressing the needs of students with diverse learning difficulties, such as ADHD, dyslexia, autism, or even those who simply lack interest in the subject, can significantly enhance the resource’s effectiveness. By incorporating these tailored strategies and resources that cater to these individual needs, I believe your learning resource can become even more accessible and accommodating to a wider range of learners and provide them with a more engaging learning experience.

Apart from these minor points, I believe your learning resource is great! It’s evident that you have ensured alignment between the learning objectives and assessments, thoughtfully following the verb usage in Bloom’s Taxonomy. This alignment is really important for assessing students correctly based on what you have asked of them. You have obviously paid a lot of attention to detail in this aspect and I think this will really help with the overall success and impact of your interactive learning resource.

Blog Post 3

Consider the learning environment for your current design. What potential barriers can be reduced or eliminated to provide more pathways for learner success? 

Addressing students’ varying levels of digital literacy and ensuring effective interaction and navigation of Google Classroom can be vital for inclusive learning. To overcome this potential barrier, we can implement strategies to provide comprehensive training and support. One approach is to offer accessible resources, such as YouTube videos or online tutorials, that guide students in using the platform. These resources empower students to independently access the information they need and enhance their digital literacy skills. Furthermore, Google Classroom itself presents opportunities for seamless communication between teachers and students. Through the platform, students can ask questions, seek clarification, or raise concerns, while teachers can provide ongoing support and guidance. This real-time interaction fosters a supportive learning environment where students feel comfortable expressing their needs and receiving prompt assistance. 

Students possess unique learning styles and preferences, and it is essential for educators to accommodate these differences to promote effective learning. While some students excel in traditional text-based learning, others thrive in more interactive and engaging formats. To cater to diverse learning needs, it is crucial to offer a range of learning resources that encompass various modalities. By providing a rich assortment of materials and resources on Google classroom, such as multimedia content, text-based resources, videos, and audio recordings, as educators we can create multiple pathways for students to access and absorb information. This approach recognizes that each student has their preferred mode of learning and empowers them to choose the method that best suits their individual needs. Integrating multimedia elements, such as videos and interactive activities, into the learning experience enhances student engagement and facilitates a deeper understanding of the subject matter. Whereas, offering text-based resources ensures that students who thrive in reading and textual analysis can access the information they need. 

To ensure the accessibility and inclusivity of our Google Classroom, it is important for us as teachers to take proactive measures. One step is to ensure that Google Classroom and the associated resources adhere to accessibility standards, which could include implementing features like captions for videos, alt text for images, and compatibility with assistive technologies. These enhancements enable students with disabilities or diverse learning needs to fully engage with the content and participate in the learning process. Another aspect of promoting inclusivity is providing multiple language options within the Google Classroom platform. By offering language support, we can accommodate students who are more comfortable learning in languages other than the primary language of instruction. This fosters an inclusive environment where all students can comprehend and engage with the learning materials effectively. In line with this, cultural inclusivity should also be a consideration. By incorporating diverse perspectives, examples, and references in the resources shared on Google Classroom, we can ensure that students from various cultural backgrounds feel represented and can connect with the content.  

References:

“Inclusive Learning Design – EDCI 335.” Educational Technology at the University of Victoria, https://edtechuvic.ca/edci335/inclusive-learning-design/. Accessed 27 June 2023.

Metcalf, D. J. (2011). Succeeding in the inclusive classroom K-12 lesson plans using universal design for learning. SAGE.

Blog Comments-

I think you bring up some really important points here, there is definitely increasing connectivity in the world through technology and there seems to be a shift happening that is moving us toward a technology-based society. I believe that Google Classroom is very effective for presenting learning materials online as the platform’s user-friendly interface makes it less intimidating for learners. However, something I would like to highlight as a potential barrier to learning for some students who partake in online learning is the potential lack of interaction with other students. To address this drawback, I’m curious to know if your interactive learning resource incorporates features that promote student-to-student connection and facilitate discussions around the learning material. Encouraging collaborative activities, discussion forums, or virtual group projects can greatly enhance the learning experience by fostering a sense of community among students. Creating opportunities for students to connect and discuss the material can lead to deeper understanding and a learning environment that is more inclusive to students who kind of need that interaction with others to do well.

Hi Gracen,
I absolutely love your post! I think it touches on some very important aspects of creating a universal learning design. I thought the way you incorporated an audio component to read your blog aloud was really awesome. As a learner, I have discovered that I struggle to retain information when I am solely relying on reading extensive amounts of text for an extended period. Hence, having the option to listen to your blog and actually think about the ideas you discuss is absolutely fantastic. Thank you for recognizing the diverse learning preferences of your learners and providing an inclusive experience. Your thoughtful approach not only enhances the accessibility of your content but also demonstrates your commitment to engaging readers in a way that resonates with their individual learning styles, which is so so important for their success! I truly enjoyed your post and commend you for incorporating the audio component. From what you touch on in your blog I believe you will make a significant difference in student’s ability to absorb and reflect upon the information you share. Keep up the amazing work!
Chloe

Blog Post 2

Inquiry-based learning is a student-centered approach that shifts the focus from traditional teacher-centered instruction to active exploration and discovery. By posing questions or problems, often related to real-world contexts or personal interests, students are encouraged to take ownership and control of their learning. Through inquiry-based learning, students will engage in research, analysis, and experimentation to gather information from a set of sources selected by them, this active learning style helps students develop critical thinking skills and find meaning in a way that is relevant to them. This approach empowers students to formulate their own research questions, evaluate the credibility and relevance of sources, analyze data, draw informed conclusions, and communicate their findings. By using an inquiry-based learning design, students will become independent, self-driven learners, capable of lifelong learning and fostering a sense of curiosity and intellectual engagement 

Teaching personal finance with an inquiry-based learning approach offers numerous benefits and opportunities for students to develop a meaningful understanding of financial topics. Instead of passively receiving information, students are actively involved in the learning process by generating their own questions, conducting research, and analyzing data to build their knowledge. In an inquiry-based learning design focused on personal finance, students have the ability to explore questions that are relevant and interesting to them. They can delve into real-life financial scenarios or investigate topics related to their personal financial goals. By allowing students to pursue their own lines of inquiry, they can develop a sense of ownership and motivation in their education. Through their research, students can access a wide range of resources, such as financial websites, YouTube videos, articles, and finance books, to gather information and gain diverse perspectives. This multidimensional approach ensures that students receive a comprehensive understanding of personal finance and the skills necessary to make informed financial decisions. Furthermore, inquiry-based learning in personal finance recognizes the importance of financial literacy for all individuals. By allowing students to explore topics that are relevant to their lives, such as loans, investments, or budgeting, they will acquire practical knowledge that directly impacts their financial well-being. This approach ensures that students develop the skills needed to navigate the complex world of personal finance. Engaging in inquiry-based learning will not only enhance students’ understanding of personal finance but also cultivate critical thinking and effective communication skills. Students will learn to evaluate information and claims, analyze data, and present their findings in a coherent manner. These skills will be essential for making good financial decisions and communicating financial concepts to others. 

References:

Carfora, J. M., & Blessinger, P. (2014). Inquiry-based learning for faculty and institutional development a conceptual and practical resource for educators. Emerald.

Blog Post 1

During my childhood, I often experienced the application of behaviorism in my learning, particularly through my interactions with my parents. I vividly remember instances where they utilized a behaviorist approach to teach me various skills, such as tying my shoelaces. They would begin by demonstrating the process, using both visual and verbal cues to guide me. Then, they would encourage me to try it myself while offering prompts and guidance whenever necessary. Whenever I successfully managed to tie my shoes, my parents would provide positive reinforcement in the form of praise or even the enticing promise of a treat like ice cream. As I continued to practice and receive reinforcement, the act of tying my shoelaces gradually became more natural and independent for me. 

Cognitive learning is widely utilized in teaching, and I personally experienced its effectiveness during the last semester in my calculus course. Our instructor employed a cognitive approach by initially explaining the step-by-step process, providing numerous examples, and utilizing visual aids when applicable like in the graphing section. Actively engaging in the learning process, I attentively listened, took notes, and sought clarification through questioning if I did not understand. The assigned homework assignments further reinforced the newly acquired knowledge and allowed us to tackle increasingly challenging problems, thereby enhancing our comprehension of the subject matter on our own. With consistent practice and feedback, I gradually internalized the problem-solving method, leading to an enhanced ability to independently solve complex equations using the specific approach taught in class. 

In my current Gender Studies class, the professor adopts a strong constructivist approach to teaching. From the outset of the course, they emphasized building a solid foundation by encouraging us to draw upon our prior knowledge and personal experiences related to the subject. In this class we have freedom to choose our assignments. We are given the autonomy to select topics of interest and explore them through open-ended questions, allowing us to delve deeper into areas that resonate with us individually. A key aspect of our learning experience is the active exchange of ideas and interpretations among students. This dynamic fosters debates where we collaboratively examine and appreciate diverse viewpoints. Through this process, we not only deepen our understanding of the subject matter but also enhance our ability to integrate different perspectives, leading to a more comprehensive comprehension of the material. The classroom discussions and collaborative problem-solving activities extend beyond the confines of the course material, demonstrating the real-world relevance of our learning.

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