Digital+Graphics+Reflection


 * Digital Graphics and Desktop Publishing** has been a positive experience for me. Having never before thought myself able to create on the computer, I was pleasantly surprised to find that I could learn and apply the design elements taught and use them to my advantage. I will use the lessons on personal branding as I begin discussions with teachers about how students can use branding for personal identification and while learning about symbolism and making personal connections to literature. I like Alcantara’s (2009) idea that branding is “ an //idea// and perceived //value// formed by its intended audience” and would like to make that a part of the high school English curriculum as a way to identify characters from literature. Another idea that I gleaned from the readings in this class include the idea that diverse learners may indeed learn better (and faster) by using “ technology [to] support and enhance effective classroom strategies to build language and literacy skills for students with a variety of needs, including English language learners (n.d).”

As a learner, I found that much of what I was able to do was based on many things I had seen before such as others’ newsletters. I struggled to create something original which reflected who I am. I know that I am far too critical of myself and of my own work, but I did learn much from the unit on design principles that I could use. I was rather concerned that my personal brand would appear silly to the others, but I was pleasantly surprised that it did not. My very creative daughter, who is also in this class, applauded my efforts, and that gave me confidence in what I had done.

Something that I have learned about myself and how I learn is that I am quick to understand most things and that I am willing to try something new. I have also learned that criticism is not something to dread. Others are as doubtful of themselves as I am of myself, and we can all learn something from someone else. As a lifelong learner I intend to do more study on how utilizing the computer can help diverse learners. Since our district has adopted the Differentiated Instruction model, I would like to delve into utilizing computers for small group instruction and for other differentiated activities. Finally, I was truly impressed by the article about multimedia learning. I would really like to become more informed on how the brain processes information, and then teach the teachers how to create more effective multimedia presentations using narration and images since one of the articles we read states that narration and video is more effective than narration and text (2008). I believe that understanding how the brain works in this regard might lead teachers to rethink the standard PowerPoint assignments and delivery method.

Alcantara, L. (2009). The art of self-branding. Retrieved from []

Northeast Regional Educational Laboratory. (n.d) Meeting the needs of diverse learners. Retrieved from []

Understanding multimedia learning: integrating multimedia in the K-12 classroom. (2008, September). Retrieved from []