EDU 792 Reflective Blog Post

 Introduction

As the school year comes to an end, it's time for some reflection on the valuable learning experiences gained throughout the course. As an aspiring teacher, I embarked on a journey filled with exploration, creativity, and growth. From exploring the flipped learning approach to diving into the world of stop-gap animation, this course has been a transformative experience that has shaped my perspective on education and how I envision my future work as a teacher.

1. Embracing Flipped Learning

One of the most important things I learned in this course was the concept of flipped learning. The idea of inverting the traditional educational model, where students watch instructional videos at home and engage in collaborative activities in the classroom, was a revelation. I realized that flipping the classroom provides numerous benefits, including increased student engagement, personalized learning experiences, and more one-on-one interactions with students. The ability to cater to individual learning styles and pace through the use of instructional videos has the potential to transform the learning journey for both students and teachers.

As a future teacher, I am eager to incorporate flipped learning into my instructional strategies. By leveraging technology and creating engaging videos, I can provide my students with an interactive and flexible learning environment. Flipped learning will enable me to focus on guiding students' understanding during face-to-face interactions, fostering a deeper connection with each student and addressing their specific learning needs effectively.

2. Unleashing Creativity with Stop Gap Animation

Another valuable lesson from the course was the introduction to stop-gap animation. The power of using animation as an educational tool to enhance student engagement and understanding left a lasting impression on me. Through the process of stop-gap animation, students can express their creativity, apply critical thinking skills, and develop a deeper understanding of complex concepts. Moreover, the collaboration and teamwork involved in creating animations can cultivate essential social and communication skills in students.

In my future work as a teacher, I am excited to integrate stop-gap animation into various subjects, including STEM. By encouraging my students to animate scientific processes, demonstrate mathematical concepts, or bring historical events to life, I can unlock their creativity and help them connect with the subject matter on a deeper level. The inclusion of animation in the classroom will foster a dynamic and engaging learning environment that inspires my students to explore and understand the world around them.

Surprises and Unexplored Territory

Throughout the course, one of the most surprising revelations was the versatility of animation beyond art classes. I had initially associated animation solely with art and entertainment, but I soon discovered its immense potential in various educational disciplines. Animation can transcend traditional boundaries and become a powerful tool for teaching and learning across subjects.

However, as the course unfolded, I realized that there was so much more to explore. While I delved into flipped learning and stop-gap animation, I yearned to learn about other innovative approaches and technology integration in education. Topics like gamification, virtual reality, or augmented reality could bring new dimensions to my future teaching practices.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this course has been a transformative journey that has broadened my perspective on education and the endless possibilities of integrating technology into the classroom. The knowledge gained about flipped learning and stop-gap animation will undoubtedly be part of my future work as a teacher, enriching my instructional strategies and engaging my students in exciting and meaningful ways. I am grateful for the surprises and discoveries made during this course, inspiring me to continue exploring innovative approaches that will pave the way for a dynamic and student-centered learning environment in my future classroom.