Journal #2

Since my last posting, I have changed my project idea.  My last idea of creating a website to house "Techno Thursday" (formerly known as Techno Tuesday) tutorials just didn't excite me.  Part of the reason was that I knew few teachers would actually access the site to "learn" something new.  We already have enough on our plates!  I wouldn't want to sit through tutorials either!  SO...after speaking with my LSTC, Lisa, she suggested that I create a website to spotlight teachers using technology in their classroom.  Her idea (and I really like it) is to create a place where teachers can go to nominate other teachers to recognize them for trying something new and thinking outside the box.  In addition, I will be updating a weekly blog highlighting Web 2.0 tools that can be used in the classroom.  I'm excited to get the ball rolling and hope to have a design sketch by Tuesdays class meeting.

As I stated earlier, I will be using Dreamweaver this semester to create my project.  I recently sat down and started going through online tutorials on AdobeTV and Lynda.com.  I have very little experience with Dreamweaver, so I look forward to learning new things.  So far, I have learned how to set up my local site, import images in the correct format,  and how to link to websites.

In Parrish's Design as Storytelling, the concept of "learner empathy" suggested by his colleague Scott Switzer is something I can relate to as an instructional designer.  While planning my lessons for school, I always think about how my instruction will be experienced by my students.  If I think something would bore me as a learner, it will have the same inpact on students.  While not explicitly discussed in the design world, Parrish poses the question of whether or not designers exercise empathy intentionally or is it simply a trait the designer possesses.  Personally, it is an intended process.  Naturally, some of the concepts I teach in the language arts curriculum can be monotonous.  It is up to me to create a more positive and fun learning experience as I imagine myself in my students' shoes. 

Fitting in with my Studio project, if a teacher is stepping into unchartered territory by using a student response system for the first time or having students showcase their work under a document camera that they've never plugged in before, they deserve to be recognized for trying something new and should be encouraged to continue integrating technology into their lessons.  It doesn't matter that it isn't new to me, I have to possess the understanding that it is a big step for him or her.

Parrish, P. (2006). Design as storytelling. TechTrends, 50(4), 72-82.