Estimated time: 2-3 hours
Grade value: 7% of total grade
It's time to think about what you've learned so far. Since we're online - writing about our thinking is one of the best ways to communicate what you've learned. You'll use Google Docs to write about what you've done in this unit and connect it to your readings from Unit 1.
Create a new Google Doc and respond to the questions listed below (Part 1). Your finished piece will be 4-5 paragraphs. You will use Google Docs and embed the document on your facilitate page. If you've never created a Google Doc before, here's a good guide.
"College-level writing" - it's not the best phrase, but the most descriptive that I can think of for what I'm looking for in your writing. Many of you are taking this course as an elective outside of your major; but "college-level" writing is expected regardless of your career goals. No matter your major, the ability to write well and reflect on your understanding is a skill that will serve you well throughout your career. Please take a moment to read this page, where I explain what I mean by college-level writing and share some tips.
In a new Google Docs file, write a reflection about how the tools help facilitate learning and teaching. Think about the readings and videos we've covered so far. Where do you see themes/ideas from that article connecting with tools that you've learned about in this unit? (There's no shame in looking back at the materials to help with this. Quotes are a good way to add a few sentences!)
[ Formatting ]
Use the font Times New Roman or Arial, 12pt, line spacing: 1.5
4-5 paragraphs, around 150-200 words for each paragraph
In the upper left corner of the first page, include:
Your full name
Name of the instructor
Course code (EDIT2000E-A or EDIT2000E-B)
Due date of the assignment
Include the title of the essay in the middle.
[ Reflection questions to answer in your essay ]
Please describe your own understanding of the meaningful learning and meaningful use of technology, based on the readings/videos we covered in Unit 1 and 2. Then, explain how teachers and students should use technology in a way that facilitates the "meaningful learning" we discussed.
Revisit our readings/videos in Unit 1! Reflect on the characteristics of meaningful learning and how to use educational technology in a meaningful way.
What would be an interesting way to support both UDL and "meaningful learning" by integrating Google Workplace tools and/or your Task 2 tools?
Revisit the ISTE standards. How could we use Google Workplace tools and/or your Task 2 tool in a way that is related to the ISTE standards? Provide specific real-world examples and quote the ISTE standards you think are related.
What's an idea from the readings and tool exploration activities that you can see using beyond this semester?
** Don't use general introductory statements like "Today, technology is a crucial part of our lives." Begin your essay by addressing your thoughts on the questions.
** A friendly reminder: As mentioned in our syllabus, you should NOT use generative AI tools like ChatGPT for your writing. It would be evident if you use such AI tools because they yield similar types of keywords and have their own tone of writing. Using AI tools for writing (without prior communication with the lecturer and proper citation) is considered plagiarism and is subject to reporting.
Once you're finished writing, proofread and revise your writing considering the following questions. These will be used as a grading criteria to evaluate your writing:
Is there evidence in your writing that you have engaged meaningfully with the learning materials so far? (3pt)
Does your essay address all the reflection questions, showcasing your understanding and knowledge of the topic? (2pt)
Does it look like college-level writing with no typos and grammatical errors? (1pt)
Does it follow the formatting instruction correctly? (1pt)
This is how you will submit all your writing assignments - by inserting your Google Docs file into your website, NOT by pasting the Google Docs link. Doing so will allow readers to view your document on your page without having to click the link.
Follow the instruction to post your Google Doc to your “Facilitate” page.
You'll need to do this each time you embed a new Google Docs file (or Slides or Spreadsheet) on your website.
Make sure to change the share setting to “anyone with the link” before embedding the document. Publish your website so I can view the final updates you've made.
IMPORTANT: Paste your website's link to the incognito window and double-check if it's viewable to the public. If the document is not public, you cannot get credit for this assignment because I cannot access it.
Part 1: Answer the 4 reflection questions in your essay.
Part 2: Review the formatting requirements and proofread your writing according to the grading criteria.
Part 3: Ensure that you insert your Google Document on the "Facilitate" page of your website.
You've completed Unit 2!
This unit is due no later than Friday, February 9 at the end of the day. No need to email me once you're finished. The next set of tasks will be posted by Monday, February 12 at noon. Please email me if you have questions or concerns at any point in these tasks!
A gentle reminder for today, you are beautifully made!! ❤️