eJournal Post 7 - Course Reflection

Here we are, friends.  The final week of the course.  And that brings with it the

Course Reflection

eJournal Post 6 - Selecting Instructional Media

This week will probably be short....we'll have to wait and see.  In helping to develop our Instructional Design Document, I will be identifying the media I will be using and why I selected it.  

eJournal Post 5 - Identifying Instructional Strategies

This week, from the desk of Mr. T, is all about how I am going to teach students the instruction that I am designing.  We get to talk about instructional strategies: the delivery vehicle for what I am teaching. 

eJournal entry 4 - Analyzing Instructional Goals

For a number of reasons, I had to circle back around to this post and make a few changes to this week's post; the most important reason being I am not good at writing objectives.  Based on the number of sites out there for objective writing, I can conclude that I am not alone.

In my original post, I stated my objectives were that:

students research real population data on a chosen country, analyze the data to determine socioeconomic status and future population trends, and predict the consequences of those trends if they were to continue.  Then, using prior knowledge from other parts of the unit, develop a population management strategy that addresses the trends predicted that would fit within the country's cultural climate.  Students then present their research and plan in a multimedia presentation to the class.  The students have an opportunity to ask questions, make comments, and discuss collaboratively with the presenters on their plan before making final evaluations.

That is a lot of really great information, but I think it is two broad.  Those would probably all fit under the category of goals.  Objectives are more focused and, most importantly, measurable.  I have learned a little bit more about objectives vs. goals, so I'm going to take another stab at my objectives. Here goes...

Using prior knowledge of population demographics, students will create and present a population management plan that addresses trends identified from an analysis of population data from a country of their choosing.  

The Audience is the students.  The Behavior is to create and present a population management plan.  The Condition is using prior knowledge of population demographics and the Degree is from an analysis of population data from a country of their choosing.  It is implied (at least, I hope it is) that the plan the students develop has to come from and be supported by the data they collect.  The objective is meant to address the cognitive domain.


The original post is after the break.

eJournal entry 3 - Learner Analysis

The student population demographics are as follows:

African American 5.4%
American Indian 0.1%
Asian 0.5%
Hispanic 63.7%
Pacific Islander N/A
Two or more races 0.9%
White 23.9%
Economically disadvantaged 53.5%

*Disclaimer - much of my post is based on observations I have made about my own students, along with discussions I have had with other educators about their students at my high school

eJournal Entry 2 - Contextual Analysis

Last week, I chose a problem to address in the Instructional Design Document that I will be creating over the coming weeks.  I think that student engagement is still a significant problem in my school and with my students.  However, in reflecting on my post and comments from various sources since then, I have determined that a “simple” fix that could be proposed by my design document for this course will not be enough.  Not that I don’t still want to fix the problem, mind you.  I’m not giving up.   However, the problem as I see it runs much deeper than what is going on in my classroom.  There is a problem with motivation and engagement, especially the reasons why students should be learning, in all ability levels at Seguin High School.  From what I understand, it extends beyond the high school into the middle and elementary schools and out into the community.  A major systemic shift would have to take place at all levels in order to effect significant improvement (a shift that I would be a small part of). 

eJournal Entry 1 - Introducing My Instructional Design Project

This semester, I am enrolled in Instructional Design and Development and our major project is to create an instructional design document that addresses a problem. For my project, I am going to address the problem of student engagement in my regular environmental systems classroom.