Running Head: ELFH 676-50 NIEMANN REFLECTION

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ELFH 676-50 Niemann Reflection

by

Anthony P. Niemann

University of Louisville

ELFH 676-50

ELFH 676-50 Class Reflection

As I reflect on learning acquired in this ELFH 676-50 I recall words I wrote at the completion of ELFH 675 in December 2006, before this current semester began: “I think that this class [sic: ELFH 675], together with ELFH 676 (Authoring Multimedia Instruction), would be my most challenging classes in the Program.” These two classes in general, and ELFH 676 in particular, were certainly the most difficult classes I have taken at the University of Louisville. The purpose of this paper is to describe learning that I acquired and to discuss a few ways that this learning related to the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) standards this course was designed to meet. In addition, I also discuss ways that I will use this knowledge. This course was extremely helpful in assisting me to gain knowledge and experience in at least five of the eight core ISTE Standards.

The first ISTE standard is TF.1: Technology Operations and Concepts. As a result of this class I have been able to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of technology operations and concepts (ISTE-TF.1). All portions of my Major Project, Simple Project, Spashpage, and Multimedia Tool Review assignments reflect my knowledge, skills, and understanding of concepts related to technology (ISTE-TF.1.A). In the Major Project, Simple Project, Splashpage, and Multimedia Tool Review assignments I demonstrated continual growth in technology knowledge and skills which will allow me to stay abreast of current and emerging technologies (ISTE-TF.1.B). I was able to learn about several tools I did not personally review by reading the reviews of fellow students. I also modeled appropriate strategies necessary for continued growth and development of the understanding of technology operations and concepts (ISTE-TF.1.B.1).

The second ISTE Standard is TF.2: Planning and Designing Learning Environments and Experiences. In the Major Project and Simple Project assignments I planned, designed, and modeled effective learning environments and multiple experiences supported by technology (ISTE-TF.2). I designed developmentally appropriate learning opportunities that applied technology-enhanced instructional strategies to support the diverse needs of learners (ISTE-TF.2.A). I also applied current research on teaching and learning with technology when planning learning environments and experiences (ISTE-2.B) in the Major and Simple Project assignments. I identified and located technology resources and evaluated them for accuracy and suitability in the Multimedia Tool Review (ISTE-TF.2.C). I modeled technology integration using resources that reflected content standards in the Major and Simple Project assignments (ISTE-TF.2.C.2). I planned for the management of technology resources within the context of learning activities in the Multimedia Tool Review (ISTE-TF.2.D). I planned strategies to manage student learning in a technology-enhanced environment in the Major and Simple Projects (ISTE-TF.2.E). I identified and applied instructional design principles associated with the development of technology resources in the major and Simple Projects (ISTE-TF.2.F).

The third ISTE Standard is TF.3: Teaching, Learning, and the Curriculum. In the Major and Simple Projects I applied and implemented curriculum plans that include methods and strategies for utilizing technology to maximize student learning (ISTE-TF.3). As I am not currently teaching, I did not apply what I learned in a classroom, but I am adequately prepared to implement the 16 standards that fall under this category (ISTE-TF.3). Plans have been laid to implement learning acquired as a result of the major, simple Splashpage, and Multimedia Tool Review assignments in one of six counties that surround Jefferson County, Kentucky.

The fourth ISTE standard is TF.4: Assessment and Evaluation. As I do not actively teach, I have not satisfied the specific requirements set forth in this standard. However, as a result of the Major and Simple Project assignments, I am adequately prepared to satisfy the nine standards and indicators that are listed in this category. I plan to fulfill the nine ISTE standards in all situations where I develop lessons.

The fifth ISTE Standard is TF.5: Productivity and Professional Practice. I have applied technology to enhance and improve personal productivity and professional practice (ISTE-TF.5). I used technology resources in the Major Project, Simple Project, Splashpage, and Multimedia Tool Review assignments for the following purposes: to engage in ongoing professional development and lifelong learning (ISTE-TF.5.A); to identify resources and participate in professional development activities to support ongoing growth related to technology (ISTE-TF.5.A.1); and to continually evaluate and reflect on professional practice to make informed decisions regarding the use of technology in support of student learning (ISTE-TF.5.B.1). In the Simple and Major Projects I used instructional design principles to develop multimedia products to support personal and professional development (ISTE-TF.5.C.5), to select appropriate tools for communicating concepts with an intended audience (ISTE-TF.5.C.6), and to use environments (Flash) to support personal / professional development (ISTE-TF.5.C.7). By virtue of being in an online class (ELFH 676-50) I communicated with colleagues and discussed current research to support instruction by using applications such as Netmail, online conferencing, and web browsers (ISTE-TF.5.D.2).

Knowledge has a way of empowering students. When I entered this class, the only web-based skill I brought to the class was a result of a Dreamweaver class I had in the previous semester. I entered this class with trepidation due to having little experience and no outside source to go to for help. In truth, I put an extreme amount of work into this class. As the class progressed, I did indeed gain in experience and knowledge. I truly do not know what I could have done (that I did not do) to enhance my learning related experiences. In this class, we had four basic assignments. The four assignments were each broken into many minor assignments. For me, the Multimedia Tool Review was the least valuable assignment of the four basic assignments. I realize that it addressed many ISTE standards, but it distracted me from the intense work I needed to put into the other three assignments. If you look back at where I was in September, 2006 you would find an amazing change. I had absolutely no idea how to develop a website when I began. I had never used Dreamweaver or Flash. I had never been around anyone who worked with web-based tools. From that time I have developed my own website and have plans to develop a second website for my church (All Saints – Taylorsville, KY). Many possibilities have opened as a result of acquiring knowledge presented in this class. For example, I can consider beginning various web-based businesses. Also, if a prospective employer mentioned web-based tools in the past I would have to admit relate that I had no experience. I can now use the knowledge I gained in this class in a positive manner on a resume.

Perhaps most significantly, I intend to use the knowledge I gained in this class to develop a Flash presentation for the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. I hope to do this over the next four months. In a presentation I intend to make, I hope to convince the state to address a training need that is currently not being fulfilled. Using this class and many years of experiential learning, I am convinced that I can develop and design a product that will economically fill a need for the state of Kentucky. Initially I intend to develop a training product that teaches users how to back up their Microsoft Outlook Personal Folder file. I will try this in Spencer and Oldham counties. If this goes well I hope to implement the training statewide for thousands of workers. There are additional needs that I can target in future projects. I am convinced that Flash is the only viable method to address some training issues within CHFS, where I presently work. Without this ELFH 676, I could not have considered using this tool. This class has been a valuable addition (along with ELFH 675) to my Master’s program.

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