Category: Assignment 2 – Blog Feedback

Hi MBender,

I am very impressed by your summary of active learning in useful ways, such as videos, interactive multimedia, podcasts, infographics and social media. Active learning ways can engage learning experiences and encourage students to actively participate in exploring the knowledge.

However, I did not think deep about the importance of scaffolding in teaching before. As you said, scaffolding can break complex tasks into smaller and more manageable steps. I totally agree with that especially for students of lower grades or ELLs . In my opinion, As the children’s level of comprehension and production increases, the adults move their output level slightly higher, just as construction workers build the scaffolding of a building higher and higher until the building is strong enough to stand alone. When it refers to teaching, it is the temporary assistance by which a teacher helps a learner to know how to do something, so that the learner will later be able to complete a similar task alone. For example, before the class, the teacher can show students a related video, and asked them warm-up questions. These scaffolding steps can arouse ELL’s interests in today’s class topics. And the scaffolding  is very effective for teachers to support beginning ELLs.

Hi Pim,

I am very glad that you have explored these different AI tools and further created these pictures based on your personal preference. I am surprised by your creation about hamster in space domains. I still remember when I was young, I had to spend too much time in image matting, mixing with the favored elements and integrating in the background. But nowadays, AI tools have changed our previous process of creating pictures. Teachers can design visual teaching materials that are both effective and convenient. Even if those who have little or no experience in graphic design can easily create various learning materials. Overall, AI  tools have transformed the way teachers create visual aids for learning materials. Also, they offer a range of customization options and are highly flexible for teachers.

Hello Mbender,

I totally agree with you that incorporating video games into the multimedia class can really enhance students’ learning efficiency. Merrill illustrates the importance of problem-solving, task-centeredness, and authenticity in learning and Mayer also encourages to incorporate video games in learning. Games contain different elements, such as stories, rules, scenes and so on. When students believe that they are playing a game, they can easily shift themselves into the magic circle of imagination and have a sense of self efficiency. In this situation, they are learning and applying the knowledge talked in the class unconsciously. For example, games like “Halo” can encourage students to develop critical thinking ability. As for teachers, if we put the idea of incorporating games into curriculum design in a similar way, students would study and then meet different levels of questions and problems. Then they need to work together or independently to achieve a brand new barrier.

In addition, you have mentioned the lesson about reducing plastic waste in the school or community. I think you can use Merrill’s principles to create an infographic to arouse people’s attention in plastic reduction. When you make this poster, you would have a better understanding of these principles!

Hi Mbender,

Same as you, I have used text to speech many times. I often use it as a learning tool to improve my listening skills. Especially before bed, I do not want to spend too much time reading with my eyes, I would use this tool and listen to the script. This is a way of learning and I can follow the scripts as shadow exercise.

In addition, I am very impressed by your explanation of the UDL guidelines. You clearly describes the three elements and support with your personal experience. I agree with you that representation allows students to control the speed of presentation according to their learning habits and absorption. As for me, I prefer to pause the online videos and take notes on some important knowledge. UDL guidelines are really effective for diverse learners. With the impact of the multimedia input knowledge, learners would unconsciously express their output through text, videos, images and other multimedia ways.