This page is dedicated to my thoughts and reflections about different aspects of the class.
I really like how the course syllabus is very well-prepared and detailed. It gave me the impression that the instructor is very organized, methodological and really serious about this course. Though at first glance the syllabus may be too congested or "toxic", in reality it is manageable. The course content is relevant and is given enough importance all throughout the semester. Students are given ample time to work on their requirements and study for the tests.
What I didn't like about the course is the inclusion of the JSPS activity. Honestly, I would've wanted to participate in that as well but I was greatly disappointed to find out that the schedule is outside of the class time. To think that the JSPS activity is already worth both the online exams and the asynchronous discussion, it seems a bit unfair that that priviledge is given to a chosen few who are free at that specific time (or who has friends who are willing to represent them). It would've been a lot better if everyone was given equal chance to participate so that everyone is on equal ground.
Thoughts and Reflections
Course Syllabus
The course balances both face-to-face interactions with technology-mediated instruction. It makes me appreciate the technology integration without having to rely on MITC's slow computers and Internet connection too much.
I also appreciate how Sir Pitagan utilizes UP's own learning resource management system which is UVLe, though since I'm also taking up EDUC 190 at the same time, I can't help but feel that it would've been better if EDU2.0 was used instead since it has a better user interface.
Honestly, I think that the use of Yahoo! Groups is unnecessary for the class since not all of us uses it that much anymore. Most of us get updated with the class through UVLe and the course's Facebook group.
Since the course is about Instructional Media Resources, I think that almost all types of media were used in the class and in the class activities. We were made to produce outputs from visual media, audio media and even text media and multimedia. Everyone was given a chance to display their creativity in how to present different topics through reporting so we were able to appreciate the lessons in a wide variety of instructional methods.
Instructions
Instructional Media Resources
For the reporting regarding the different instructional media resources, the group I was in got Text Media. At first we were apprehensive since we had no idea how to make the reporting interactive and fun when the topic is pretty dull. Our group came up with the idea of dividing the class into four stations - I picked the History of Writing since I had an interest in that area. I was pretty glad that our group worked together really well and it was evident in the presentation itself. Our group got a good feedback from Sir Pitagan and the class so we were really glad.
I think dividing the class into groups to tackle the different instructional media resources was a good move in Sir Pitagan's part not only to decrease his teaching load but also to instill in us the discipline of research and presenting out data in an orderly yet creative manner. I definitely found some reports creative and fun while some dull and I got to know more about my classmates through their stage presence.
My bigggest concerns about the course so far is that some of the activities occur outside the class hours, such as the JSPS and ActivatED. I would've loved to attend those but my schedule doesn't allow for it. If only Sir Pitagan would've been more conscious of the students who also have other commitments then maybe the selected class activities will only take place within class hours or attendance and participation on those activities would have been for bonus points than a requirement (in exchange for the asynchronous discussion and online exams). And since I'm part of the asynchronous online discussion, I didn't really like the fact that it wasn't given much attention compared to the JSPS activity. Most of the classmates I asked about the asynchronous discssion didn't know how to go about it either.
The method for assessment for this course is fair and really thought of. Even though there are a lot of requirements for the course, they are all given corresponding points depending on their relevance to the final goals of the course. I really like that the source of our grades is not merely reliant on the online tests but rather Sir Pitagan made sure that differnt kinds of activities will yield different outputs and will all be included in the grading.
Unlike in other courses I have, I feel really glad that EDTECH 101 has 5 bonus points for complete attendance and punctual submission of requirements. Though I have fulfilled neither requirements for the bonus points, it is still nice to know that they are available to reward those who are really hardworking in the class.
I think that for an educational course in technology it is very apt that the final activity will be a lesson plan with technology integration. We are still educators, after all, and we need to learn how to integrate all these new knolwledge and skills into the classroom in order to fulfill our vision of the classroom of the future.
It is also amazing that whatever our outputs are going to be wil be featured in Knowledge Channel's website. It makes me feel that, in our small way, we could help shape the educational system into being more technology-inclined.
I learned so much from Sir Pitagan's constructive criticisms which will definitely help me in developing future lesson plans for me future classes.
