EDLD+5366+Reflections

This course has provided me the opportunity to analyze some of what I considered areas of prior experience. I have created basic designs and logos previously, and I have published numerous newsletters over the years. I felt comfortable with these assignments as I began them. However, as I continued to work through the creation of original designs, I began to question my ability. The assignments took me far longer than I had anticipated due to my over-confidence. Yet, in the end, I felt comfortable with what I was able to put together and submit as a reasonably accurate representation of my level of skill.

The discussion board postings in the course were particularly informative and engaging. I gained a great deal of insight from reading what others shared about implementing and integrating technology lessons. Additionally, the comments about effective professional development were insightful. Ideas about PD that I found helpful and will utilize in the future included: professional development’s success depends on the implementation of ongoing support; professional development for technology must be non-threatening and allow enough practice opportunity for mastery; and requests for professional development or additional technology tools should include a thorough inventory of existing resources. These seem simple but are of critical importance.

As a lifelong learner, I will continue to pursue my interest in effective and impactful design. I am certainly aware that layout of newspapers, magazines, and newsletters affect readership. I am drawn only to publications that are visually appealing—simple, uncluttered, attractive, and full of pertinent and engaging content.