Self -Assessment
The knowledge I gained from the weekly assignments will
guide me from this day forward when working on digital projects. Before this course, I tended to research
pre-made templates for a project I needed to complete. In my current position, I frequently design
and/or create flyers, newsletters, posters, and webpages. I knew digital creations needed to flow and
be appealing. After studying The
Non-Designer’s Design Book (Williams), I now have the knowledge to apply design
principles to all my future works. I
will include the C.R.A.P. method to each creation and I will teach the design
principles to co-workers.
I learned there is more to designing digital projects
than just placing words on a page, there are design principles to follow to
create a lasting and meaningful impression.
I also learned how to use animation software to create eye catching
video for a website and create powerful branding for both personal and group
use. Schawbel (2009) states “to know if
you've discovered your brand, you need to make this equation equal: “Your
self-impression = How people perceive you”. I am excited to bring the concept
of self-branding to my colleagues.
Learn as a Learner
According to Bloom's Taxonomy, people who are creative
are in the Higher Order Thinking Skills. “You cannot understand a concept
if you do not first remember it, similarly you cannot apply knowledge and
concepts if you do not understand them.” (Churches, 2007) As I continue my technology journey, I think
it is important to use Bloom's hierarchy to guide me.
The group assignment allowed me to learn to value each
group member’s role, importance, and creativity. Our progress was dependent on full
collaboration from each group member to complete each phase and aspect of the
project. The interaction between each of
us was great because everyone was willing to interact and collaborate in a
constructive, professional, and positive manner.
Lifelong Learning
Skills
I am, by nature, an inquisitive person. I have always believed there are lessons
learned every day. Learning opportunities
surround us at all times. Every moment,
every decision, every turn is a learning experience. We need to be open and receptive to all the
possibilities, to recognize and embrace the moments, and to learn from
them. Observe, question, reflect, and
inspire. According to Gerstein (2011), “Critical
reflection is an important part of any learning process. Without reflection,
learning becomes only an activity — like viewing a reality TV show — which was
never meant to have meaning, but was only meant to occupy time.” Learning is
continual. Recognizing a learning
opportunity is essential to reflection. Writing
reflections help develop an understanding of our selves. Moving forward as a leader in technology, I
will continue to reflect often.
The assignments allowed me to think of ways to integrate
my new knowledge in my workplace. I have
visions of creative designs in my head involving all aspects of the
workplace. Keeping an e-portfolio of all
my projects will be ongoing for me. I
plan to encourage my colleagues to create an e-portfolio to keep their work in
one place to share and showcase their creations.
I plan to continue a lifelong journey of learning. The knowledge that I take away from this
course and degree program will better prepare me to lead my colleagues into a
technology-rich environment. The benefits
of integrating technology into our workplace are more apparent to me now.
References
Churches, A. (2007, April). Bloom's
digital taxonomy. Retrieved February 4, 2013, from http://www.techlearning.com/article/8670
Gerstein, J. (2011). User Generated Education: Where is
reflection in the learning process? Retrieved February 10, 2013, from http://usergeneratededucation.wordpress.com/2011/08/16/where-is-reflection-in-the-learning-process/
Schawbel, D. (2009). Personal branding
101: How to discover and create your brand. Retrieved February 27, 2013, from http://mashable.com/2009/02/05/personal-branding-101/
Williams, Robin: The Non-Designer’s Design Book, Third
Edition.
