Module 1 Reflection

This module has made me think about my role as an instructional designer in the following ways...

This module has made me think about my role as an instructional designer in many different ways. It has reminded me that classroom should be a vibrant, exciting, and energetic place of learning with a good deal of student engagement and autonomy. Reading through the research the chapter presented me, I was reminded of the importance of authentic tasks that engage the students with projects and lessons that are important or relevant to them. Also, the role of formative assessments is key in the 21st century classroom. We should also cover fewer topics in deeper detail than superficially covering a wider breadth (while still understanding the BIG ideas). I am also a big fan of having students publish their work as opposed to handing in their worksheets or tests which they will just throw in the trashcan on their ways out when they get them back. Utilizing Ning or other online resources not only lets the students show off their work, it also lets parents and other members of the community see what the students are doing.