Final Showcase - Syllabus Design and Implementation

Group Members	Roles	Commented On
Luther Prater	Video Production	Group 1 and 2
Myrna Martin	Syllabus Brochure	Group 2 and 4
Jessica Duncan	Course Reflection	Group 2 and Group 4

Video Syllabus Design and Implementation 

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1Riv8-l1GBO6Z4yKp2uIndgRIj6GpCgAB

Reflection Audio

https://soundcloud.com/user-647046557/edac-635-final-showcase/s-X31GU

Brochure for Syllabus
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qyPdnmb7pU5lTq-j8YTMPsHRGB9WNUWk/view 

What did you learn from this course?

Throughout EDAC 635, we have learned many different topics in this course ranging from so many more topics learning styles, environment both physical and cultural, emotions and relationships, brain and mind learning and as it relates to teaching strategies for adult learners.  There are topics that did stand out to me such as the learning styles and thinking of them in a cyclical fashion in that education is receiving information, putting it into use, and then reflecting back through the process and then using that information to create new knowledge.  Each learner is unique and how they will learn and process information is also unique but the theories used this semester supported the information provided and a foundation for information moving forward. 

What did you like or dislike about our online discussions, group project and this course in general?

Online discussion boards at times provide anonymity for students who might not feel as comfortable talking within a traditional classroom environment.  Each week there are several questions to choose from which allows you time to think about which topic you would like to dig deeper.  It was really great being able to learn just as much from peers as it was learning from the textbook, PowerPoints, videos, and great summary within the discussion board.  At times getting started on the discussion board was a bit difficult until beginning to think of my past experiences or knowledge of the content.  I enjoyed really learning different ideas and methods from classmates and feel that it was a very collaborative environment. At first, the concept of designing a syllabus based on our topic was more difficult to gather and understand since it was brain and mind learning.  Personally, I would automatically continued to default back to learning styles or environment versus brain and mind learning. 

How do you think the project was able to help you understand the practical field and the theories?

Our group found it more difficult to incorporate brain and mind learning within the syllabus.  However, through our research on brain-based learning there are many strategies that can be implemented by understanding the basic structures of the brain and how information is received, processed and stored.  Our group worked together diligently to make sure that our project reflected the objectives outlined in the assignment. The group project provided me an opportunity to learn from each other and develop a great class!  Our ideas all kept merging until we had a product that we could present to the group.

I feel as though the information presented in MacKeracher and Lawson definitely helped to guide the design of the syllabus.

Use examples to tell us how the various learning resources in weekly discussions help you understand the theories and how to apply theories to practice?

Many of our classmates shared TED talks and they were very intriguing!  I enjoyed the videos that were added to the information within the discussion board.  Several classmates also took the opportunity to share videos and personal stories that connected with the topic that week and it was greatly appreciated as it helped us to understand the information even more.  The learning and facilitating principles were really helpful within the textbook to understand it more into practice.

What do you suggest to better support your learning? What are your suggestions for future students?

Read and highlight the main points of the textbook.  Watch the videos and supplemental material provided by the instructor.  These videos were a tremendous resource in facilitating my learning of the topic.  It can feel vulnerable to post your literature review and other assignments, but it gives you an opportunity for growth and development.  When your group is first formed, work together to create your group plan and have a clear understanding of everyone’s role and the best form of communication.  Microsoft TEAMs was our main form of communication and allowed us to talk via TEAMs and share documents.  If you have a better understanding early in the semester where everyone’s strength is, your group will be more likely to have a balance.  I believe our group had a great balance and even though we were down one group member this semester we were able to reallocate responsibilities and lean on one another to complete the group projects.  Lean on one another and learn from one another.  Our group messaged frequently throughout the week to make sure we were all on tasks with assignments and ask each other questions for clarity.  There were times when it was more difficult to get together due to schedules but we always would find a way to carve out the time to work on items together.  If do not understand a topic, discussion board question, or assignment always feel free to reach out to your professor.  They are there to guide you through the process and are available to answer your questions.  When there are questions or concerns, reach out the process immediately they are there to support and guide you throughout the course.