Week 3 Blog

Although the presentation did not have pictures, I did not feel that they were necessary.  I was able to experience changing transmission oil for the first time when we worked on Callams truck in a previous class together.  If I did not experience this before, I feel that I would have trouble following the slide show without pictures especially because every vehicle is different.  

The speaker notes are incredibly helpful because they go more into depth from what is displayed on the slides.  The are very elaborative and help with any confusion a user may have.  

Aesthetically, I feel that although the colours are soft and easy to read, I feel that they can become difficult to read from a distance which would cause a viewer to lose their interest, contrary to what Sheldon believes.  I feel that the minimalistic effects are disengaging.

The most important points, however, are noted and for a user whom is changing their oil can quickly refer back to the slide quickly and efficiently whilst noting potential safety hazards.

I feel that Google Slides can be used effectively in a classroom when done properly.  Personally, I would use them during a math class when teaching Pythagorean's Theorem, while on a SMARTBoard.  When doing this, I am still able to write on the board with the coloured pens to work out examples.

Week 2 Blog

The three models that were discussed in week 2 include Keller's ARC, Gagne's Nine Events of Instruction, and the ADDIE model.  Keller's ARCS model is a model of instructional design that breaks down learner motivation into four parts; attention, relevance, confidence and satisfaction.  Gagne's Nine Events include steps that help an educator facilitate student learning.  The ADDIE Model is a framework for developing performance tools that are in accordance for evaluation.  The five phases of the ADDIE model include; analysis, design, development, implementation, evaluation.

While all models are forms of instructional design that enhance student learning, they all focus on different aspects.  Keller's ARCS model is student focused, whereas Gagne's Nine Events are guidelines that help a teacher develop an effective lesson.  The ADDIE model focuses on assessment and continuously improving on your assessments through reflection.

Throughout my internship, I dealt with a lot of at-risk youth.  I was told by my cooperating teacher that it is very important to build relationships with the students because when they feel safe and are held to an expectation, then they are able to learn.  Because of this,  Keller's ARCS makes the most sense to me because I able to help attain student attention, and develop their confidence.

As a third year teacher, I feel as though I am still developing my instruction and am continuously reflecting and revising.  I build relationships with my students through the ARCS model; I lesson plan by using Gagne's Nine Events of Instruction model; and I use the ADDIE model for assessment and evaluation.  Inadvertently, I do aspects of each model by using models that I have learned previously when I was going for my Bachelor's degree, such as Instructional Scaffolding and Bloom's Taxonomy.

Instructional design is important to help organize an educator to hold them accountable for student learning.  This structure provides a framework for teachers to work from to better educational pedagogy.

Week 1 Blog

Hey everyone, 

It's really good seeing all of you through your blogs and I am really excited to be back in class with you.  For those that don't know, my name is Kirk Pilon and I am a third year teacher with Saskatchewan Rivers Pubic School Division.  I am currently teaching at W.P. Sandin in Shellbrook, where I was fortunate enough to secure an Industrial Arts position.  I eventually hope to teach Industrial Arts in Prince Albert; however, I feel that this is a very good stepping-stone for me.  Upon completion of this program, I plan to apply for the Educational Technology and Design Master’s of Education program that is offered through the University of Saskatchewan.  It is a program that intrigues me, which, someday, (hopefully) will help me attain an administrative position within the school division.

I am currently living with my beautiful and supportive partner Shea, whom is also a teacher.  We both live for the outdoors, fishing and travelling.  We have recently purchased a house, have gutted it, and are slowly piecing everything back together.  I play bass in a local rock and country cover band called The Bush Pies. We have been playing together for 7 years and have performed at countless weddings and establishments.

I feel fairly competent with technology, however, I believe that this course will be very beneficial to me.  I feel as though education is going through a major shift and there are many new, engaging ways to deliver content to students.