EDLD 5366 Graphic Design

This course gave me a deeper understanding of how and why I should look into digital graphics in the classroom and as an administrator.  I first thought “why should I have a class like this if I am going to be a Principal?”  I have gained a great deal of knowledge about personal design, personal logos and personal branding.  Once I opened my mind to the new opportunities that this could bring into my classroom, I flooded my mind with new ideas that I will be using in my classroom.  Allowing my students to create their own logos can allow for pride in their work and open opportunities for personal growth in the classroom (Gimp).   I work in middle school and self branding is an important step not only in education but in the lives of our young students (Alcantara, 2009). Bringing this into the classroom gives students the guidance to understand who they are.  Knowing who you are can be very beneficial in education because it can help you the knowledge of how you learn.   This course opened my eyes up to C.R.A.P. (Williams, 2008).  This acronym will stick with me forever because of the use of the word.  This is the style of learning that I believe students will remember in the future.  This is something that is humorous but can teach so much with such a small word.  I will use the ideas of self image and the design principles for my future classes to try and engage my students at a deeper level for learning.  Even being a Math Teacher, I believe using these techniques can connect with my students to learn a different way.  Working with my colleagues affected my performance by giving me the support I needed to push myself to be better.  I had a great team and I wanted to do my best work not only for myself but also for my team.  We communicated very well and very often.  I will use the idea of having a group project in my classroom to give this same opportunity.  I want my students to have known what it means to work for someone other themselves.  It was interesting to hear the ideas that I might have missed or look over.  I feel that I turned in better and more in depth assignments once I connected my ideas with my teams.  This class has given me a lifetime of learning that I know will continue to develop and integrate into my classroom. 

Citation:

Alcantara, L. (2009). The art of self-branding. Retrieved from http://www.lealea.net/blog/comments/the-art-of-self-branding-part-three/

Youtube.com. (nd). Gimp Tutorial: Making a Simple Logo Graphic Image. Retrieved on Oct. 20, 2010 from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVXWjuwkqas

Williams, Robin (2008): The Non-Designer’s Design Book, Third Edition.  Berkeley, California: Peachpit Press.