Course Reflections

I do not want to belabor this post by stating the glaringly obvious.

I think the EDT 630 course began positively. Many of us were introduced to blogging and had the opportunity to explore relatively new software like Microsoft Publisher. We also covered important topics like taking an inventory of a school's technology resources and affordance analysis. In addition, we examined theories of individual and group learning in great depth. I especially enjoyed the final assignment, i.e. synthesizing the major topics we covered into an effective lesson plan.

Beyond that, I think the course has some major drawbacks that require immediate attention.

First, although the concepts of group discussion forums and online assignments are meritorious, there is no substitute for actual class meetings. I think a brief 30-45 minute class session every other week would make a world of difference. The absence of actual classes after September made it all too easy to push this course to the back burner.

Second, I think that addressing the major topics of the course in group discussions is sufficient. Simply repeating the same critiques in a general discussion forum quickly becomes redundant.

Finally, I think that Livetext training (or whichever system UAB switches to) should be incorporated into this course, as it presents a great opportunity to master a new software application and improve one's computer technology skills.

In summary, this can be an extremely enjoyable, worthwhile course if executed properly.