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Carolyn Harris EDUC 5313 - Week 5

 Part 1 According to the CAST UDL guidelines website (2024), “the goal of UDL is learner agency that is purposeful & reflective, resourceful & authentic, strategic & action-oriented.” The UDL framework consists of three core principles: engagement, representation, and action and expression. Basham et al. (2016) explore how these guidelines can be applied to improve the effectiveness of K-12 blended and online learning environments. The authors found that while digital materials often provide multiple means of representation (e.g., videos, text), they frequently lack meaningful engaging and flexible content that demonstrates action and expression. These are important in creating inclusive and equitable learning experiences for all students. The study aimed to answer two research questions: - Can a UDL Scan Tool be developed and validated to measure how well an online learning product aligns with the UDL framework? - Is it feasible and usable to conduct product scans usin...

Carolyn Harris EDUC 5313 - Week 4

 Part 1 I used MagicSchool AI to generate a lesson plan introducing university students to argumentation in preparation for their argumentative essays. I aligned the plan with ISTE Standard 1.4: Innovative Designer since the lesson plan required students to use a digital tool to brainstorm and develop their essays. The lesson plan that was generated closely resembled a lesson I had taught on what an argument is and how to use databases to research. The AI generated lesson plan included step-by-step instructions, guided and independent practice, a closing, and homework which all connected back to the learning objectives. However, there were areas for improvement. Although I provided the ISTE standard, the AI initially failed to incorporate digital tools to enhance student learning. I had to prompt it again to include them. Additionally, I thought the lesson plan could have been more detailed. For instance, rather than stating “present a clear definition of an argumentative essay” (M...

Carolyn Harris EDUC 5313 - Week 3

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 Introduction There are many ways that students can learn in the classroom. However, some strategies are more effective than others in helping students to take ownership of their own learning. Guru illustrates ways curriculums can be improved to help students take on a more active role in the classroom through active learning. Digital tools can further enhance student learning through active engagement and social construction of knowledge. 

Carolyn Harris EDUC 5313 - Week 2

  Part 1: Authentic Intellectual Work/ Authentic Instruction and Assessment Authentic Intellectual Work is teaching students knowledge that applies to the real world, beyond meeting student assessment preparation. It differs from traditional approaches to instruction and  assessment in that in the traditional classroom, teachers normally focus on teaching content to help students pass the course assessment, e.g., a final exam. In other words, traditional classroom prioritizes preparing students for a test whereas authentic intellectual work prioritizes preparing students for the real world.  The components of Authentic Intellectual Work are construction of knowledge, disciplined inquiry and value beyond school. Construction of knowledge is where the student use prior knowledge to construct information, whether that be synthesizing, analyzing and organizing prior knowledge in order to reach a conclusion. It is this type of thinking that allows for effective problem solving...

Carolyn Harris EDUC 5313 - Week 1

Part 1: Self Introduction Hello everyone! My name is Carolyn Harris. I am from Grenada, which is a country in the Caribbean, also known as the 'Isle of Spice'. I have an educational background that centers around the English Language. I obtained a bachelors degree in English Literature, a TESOL certificate and currently pursuing a Masters Degree in English Education: Curriculum and Instruction. I am teaching at a medical university which I've been at for 3 years where I teach Academic English Writing to premed students. I also edit and provide feedback on student CVs and personal statements. As a future goal, I am interested in exploring different career paths apart from education, specifically in technical writing and developmental editing. I recently began a 6 course Technical Writing certificate in order to develop foundational skills in this field.  Part 2: ISTE Standards The ISTE Standards that closely align with the educational level and content that I teach is 1.3: K...