Apply Computer-Based Technologies and Media to the Solution of Instructional Problems SubCompetencies

Plans and designs effective learning environments and experiences supported by technology
Applies technology to facilitate a variety of effective assessment and evaluation strategies
Demonstrates understanding of social, ethical, legal, and human issues surrounding the use of
technology and applies it in practice

Plans and designs effective learning environments and experiences supported by

technology
Competence was shown in planning and designing effective learning environments and
experiences supported by technology when I completed my final project for EDCI 569. For this
project I designed a lesson on the Mail Merge function of Microsoft Office for a group of
volunteers. The lesson was designed to be delivered using Adobe Connect, a web-based virtual
meeting space. A PowerPoint presentation was designed to share with the learners so that they
could see the steps required to complete a Mail Merge document and copy down notes as well if
they chose to do so. Within the lesson, opportunities were provided for the learners to take
control of the screen to either test their knowledge on the instructors screen or share their
screens to demonstrate what they learned in that way.
Applies technology to facilitate a variety of effective assessment and evaluation strategies
There were also multiple choice poll questions utilized within the Adobe Connect
environment to test the retention of important information. In this way, I also showed
competence in applying technology to facilitate effective assessment strategies. These points of
learner interaction in the lesson were also useful in capturing the learners attention, helping them
become active participants in their learning, and hopefully helping solidify the learning in their
minds. The session was recorded for learners future reference and review as well.

In completing this project, in particular, my eyes were opened to how easy it is to do what
you are accustomed to doing for each project that you embark on, even if that may not be
suitable for that particular audience, lesson, or mode of delivery. I found myself creating the
PowerPoint presentation for this live session as I would create a self-paced module. For
example, I added elements such as a Next and Previous button the slides that, as I learned
from evaluations, were pointless and only confused the learner in the Adobe Connect
environment, which has a forward and backward button built-in for the purpose of moving
through the slides. Thus, I also learned the importance of usability and utility tests before
releasing lessons.
Demonstrates understanding of social, ethical, legal, and human issues surrounding the use
of technology and applies it in practice
I have demonstrated understanding of social and human issues surrounding the use of
technology by ensuring that when I choose to use images of people in learning that I design, I am
sure to show both male and female images, people of varying ages, and images of people of a
variety of colors to ensure that diversity is apparent in my design. As diversity and inclusion are
important social and human issues it is my responsibility to ensure that a variety of people are
represented in the learning I create. This can be seen in my final project for EDCI 531 where
only two images depicting people are used but, although illustrated, they are of varying ages,
sex, and race. Within this same project, I demonstrated understanding of legal issues by citing
all sources used, not just for academic ideas, but also for videos, images and comic depictions
that I did not create that were not covered under Creative Commons. Since I did not create these
images or videos, and the ideas were not my own, I was legally obligated to give the creators
credit for their work.

Finally, Ive demonstrated understanding of ethical issues in my analysis of the Lynn

Dixon case for EDCI 672. In this case, Lynn Dixon is tasked with developing software for
touch-screen kiosks for a wetlands exhibit. Lynn, however, has never designed for kiosk
delivery. In my analysis I discuss whether it is ethical or not for Lynn to continue work on the
project without disclosing to the client that she lacks experience in this area. Since she was not
working alone and others in her company who did have experience in designing for kiosks could
assist her, it was decided that Lynns company could still, ethically, continue the project without
disclosing her lack of experience to the client.