Observation Experience

Multimedia

My observation experience was one of THE BEST things I've done in TATC. I observed a Multimedia course on two different days, in two different classes. It was toward the end of the semester and the students were able to show me the best of all the things they had done during the semester. I was amazed at how conversant the students were about what they were doing. I even learned a couple of skills from them while I was there!

The students were working on a project to develop a website for a real customer from the community. They were part of a team, and would be creating a web site project that included digital graphics, doing Internet research, and interviewing the customer at various points in the process. The classes were a great example of project-based, and self-directed learning. The teacher had created an atmosphere for creativity and success for students. Students were given clear guidelines, but lots of freedom to choose a direction for learning, and being creative. It was apparent to me that they were engaged in learning each time I observed. It was really interesting to talk to the students about the experience they had with technology before taking the course. Many of them were not "techies", some had not taken computer classes since middle school, some were clearly gifted. There were all levels of students in the class, and ALL of them had created really amazing projects. I was impressed that they could discuss what they'd done, and how they had accomplished it. This is the most awesome thing about technology applications to me...it allows ALL students to shine in some way.

Some of the things that we have experienced and learned about in TATC were being used in this course. Students were graded using rubrics, and they used a rubric to evaluate another student's work, as well as their own. Several of my fellow TATC'ers have mentioned that the Multimedia course gives students the opportunity to experience something from many of the Technology Application courses. This course allowed them to learn Multimedia, Digital Graphics & Anmation, Video Technology, Web Authoring, Internet research, and provided them the opportunity to have real world experiences like teamwork, working to the satisfaction of a customer, deadlines and electronic portfolios.

Each time I left the observation I was SO EXCITED about what the students could do with the Technology Application skills & knowledge! This experience gave me a glimpse at good teaching, good course structure and the value that Technology Applications can have in students' education.

Top