I want to preface this report by mentioning the education course I took right before this class. I took EDCI 335 Learning Design, this course focused on Designing learning experiences with a special focus on technology orientated ones. This course gave me the foundation in understanding how to design a Leaning Experience using technology-related tools. I found what EDCI 337 extended on top of that knowledge, by providing learning theories and experience with multi-media tools.
In terms of theory, I learned the theory behind cognitive loads and how it affects learning capacity, and different strategies to utilize cognitive loads efficiently through the Principles of Multimedia Learning. I also learned how different media affects the learning process, from dual coding with text and images to storytelling. Learning Designs was also a big factor where I learned about the ICAP framework’s four modes of engagement to increase learning.
The course also taught me a variety of tools utilized for creating my prototypes (StoryboardThat, Davinci Resolve, Google Sites, Google Forms), not only did I learn how to use the tools, I also learned how to use the tools in alignment with learning theories. For my first challenge, I utilized a new tool called StoryboardThat, I never used any comic creation tool before so this was quite a learning curve. As part of learning the new tools I also applied learning theories shown in the course, through applying Active and Passive learning through reading documentation and applying concepts, and minding the perceived cognitive load I was experiencing, I also strategically split my focus every learning sessions I have on this tool. Once I learnt the basic of how to use a comic creator, comes the application of creating Challenge A. For this I learnt story-boarding, scripting and then panel positioning, in order to maximize Dual Coding theory by combining text boxes and character emotions/actions. For my second challenge, I worked within a team to create a series of videos. I learnt how to work effectively in a team through tasks delegation and cooperating for resource alignments, we worked together to create a centralized theme then create separate script for different aspects we covered. But as we are also designing an educative media, we have to consider the different learning theories we have to apply. Since videos rely more on visual story telling, I approached story-boarding and scripting in a more descriptive way. Through video making I also learnt that a comic has the flexibility of exposition through text boxes, videos utilize context for exposition, and focused on relatable metaphors/characters for developing empathy and improve memorization of core topics. Challenge C is the culmination of my learning in this course, I realized an Online Education Resource allows for text exposition, explanation and videos. So we utilized our previously made video but now with added exposition and context through interactive activities. I went from using passive learning through videos and comics to incorporating Active, Constructive and Interactive learning (the ICAP framework). I incorporated quotes from important parts of the video, with highlighted notarization then a reflection quiz on the content immediately afterwards, incorporating all theories mentioned in the course. I also added accessibility features such as following a graphic design principle to align content visibility.
In terms of GenAI usage, I learnt how to use Gen AI to accelerate my writing process, through providing me with sources, citations and assisting with secondary researches on the topics I covered. For Challenge B I also used my Gemini student subscription for generating the images and videos. I learnt how to prompt effectively while maintaining visual consistency through adding guard prompts and providing references for Gemini.
I felt the most challenging concept to learn is comic creating while adhering to the learning theories, and story-boarding. I overcame this through constant exploration of secondary resources, documentations review and prototyping thorough the design process. I believe my perspective on educational media shifted in I appreciate the design details incorporated to effectively manage cognitive loads, and the theories behind it. My course contribution reflected this through my Challenges and my substantive posts where I analyzed resources using provided theories. I see multimedia being utilized as an effective method for learners of all backgrounds to digest complex topics effectively, cognitive load theory is a major factor in this, as multimedia sources manipulate cognitive load more effectively then traditional resources. I image I will be using the skills in this course to better my explanation skills, and help with my abilities to explain technical concepts in both my career and to classmates.
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